Offense is the ease at which you get annoyed, angry, and irritated because of a perceived insult to you.
Everyone will, at one point or the other, be offended. This is the sad truth about being a human living in an imperfect world.
As a believer, you are even more likely to be offended because the devil has made it his duty to find every possible way to provoke you into sinning to offend God.
Every day, the devil strategizes and plots schemes to spark controversies and issues in your life that will make you angry and bitter.
He knows that the Holy Spirit cannot inhabit a vessel nursing malice and resentments, especially caused by a Christian brother or sister, spouses, friends, and family members. So, he steers up offense among brethren and makes our minds magnify little things that can be easily overlooked.
The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Hebrews 12:15, saying, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
What is the Root of Bitterness or Offense?
Before a tree grows its root, it must first have a seed which is the very source of its life. Same as bitterness. Bitterness has seeds, and these seeds are words and actions of others that hurt us. Those who hurt us might do it intentionally or unintentionally. In some cases, offense might be imaginary, only existing in one’s head.
The heart is the soil where these seeds (offense) are nurtured, grow and produce roots, become a tree, and bear fruits: harshness, anger, unforgiveness, and other distasteful attitudes.
Dangers of Offense
Bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness defile us and disconnect us from God and His promises. It also allows the enemy to gain a foothold and essentially wrecks lives and relationships.
Here are some dangers of offense you must know.
Withdraws the Presence of God
God is love, and He demonstrated the highest form of unconditional love by sending His Son to die for the sins of sinners. God loves it when love thrives among His children.
He does not dwell in a heart full of hatred, tension, anger, and any form of bitterness because these are traits of the devil. Light and darkness cannot coexist together.
Lack of Answer to Prayer – Mark 11:25
When the presence of God is no more available, his ears will be shut against anything you ask in prayer.
Isaiah 59:1-2 says God is always willing to answer our prayers, but our iniquities stop Him. God is holy, and His eyes are too pure to behold sins. Offense are sins and can make our prayers not get to God.
Hinders Forgiveness From God
One of the fruits of offense is unforgiveness, and Jesus says in mark 11:25-26 if you do not forgive anyone who has offended you, you also will not receive forgiveness from Him. What a dangerous position to be in; carrying the burden of sins, lack of peace, joy, and being open to the enemy’s attack are some of the dangers of not receiving God’s forgiveness.
Loss of Relationships
Losing relationships is the most common effect of offense. Many believers have left the church because they felt offended by the pastor, a greeter, or a church member. Many marriages have broken because of unresolved offense that have grown to become monsters. The same goes with families, friendship, and other forms of relationships in business and other spheres of life.
How to Deal with Offense
Here are some ways to avoid and deal with offense.
Follow Peace With All Men.
The term “all men” speaks of people of different personalities and characters. Because of our differences, offense are bound to happen. However, God’s Word in Hebrews 12:14 encourages us to live in peace with one another.
Make up your Mind not to be Offended.
Choose not to be angry when you are offended or when you perceive that someone has wronged you. Instead, for the purpose of your relationship with God and peace of mind, choose to ignore others’ wrongdoings.
Seek Resolution
When someone wrongs you, do not allow the seed of bitterness to settle in your heart. As soon as you feel offended, approach the offender to resolve all thoughts and actions. Matthew 18:15-17 gives us a guide on how to go about it.
Practice Forgiveness – Mark 11:25, Ephesians 14:32, Matthew 18:21
No relationship thrives without forgiveness. Even though we offend God, He doesn’t cut us off but forgives us when we humbly seek forgiveness. We should learn to drop the baggage of sin; mend broken relationships or move on.
Be Tolerant
Learn to accommodate the weaknesses of others. Accepting that no one is perfect will save you from offense. Find ways to live with the limitations of others as they learn to change and become better. – Colossians 3:12-13
Guard your Mind
Do not allow the enemy to mess with your head and gain a foothold in your life. Instead, counter every evil thought with God’s Word.
