WHY BE OFFENDED?

Do you know Satan loves to get people offended? It ruins friendships. It starts fights in church meetings. Divides families. It separates us from God. This is one of Satan's specialties when people get mad and take offense and refuse to let things go. Obviously something has to give or the people involved will never speak again.

I know of two brothers that for over three years have not spoken even though living in the same town. Very sad indeed for the parents. And to think it was over something that could have been talked over, but unfortunately  these two men refuse to budge. Neither one wanted to humble himself and admit wrongdoing.

Being misunderstood causes offense. Politics often cause friends of opposite parties to be offended. I am sure you can think of many incidents of how people get offended or how you may  have even taken offense. Do you think Jesus likes this? Absolutely not. Misspoken words or something people do not often see eye to eye on, can cause a real breech in a relationship. To keep things peaceful,  talking is necessary as well as being willing to forgive and move on.

Several years ago I had a close friend who no longer wants to be my friend because of something I mistakenly did. She says she has forgiven me but apparently not enough to let me back into her circle of friends or to not be blocked on her Facebook page. I find this very sad. Two believers especially should be able to sit down and pray and resolve things. When self and pride get in the way it is a whole new ballgame so to speak. I had no choice but to let it go and move on.

Offense is really a tool the enemy can use to even have church members at odds with each other. When we forget Jesus and are so focused on ourselves it is a recipe for trouble. Stop an offense before it springs up.

Be willing to forgive, forget, and move on instead of getting your way. In Ecclesiastes 7:9 says "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the bosom of fools." Proverbs 18:19 says " A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle."
Do you need to forgive someone today who has hurt you or offended you? Why not give it to the Lord and just let it go.

PRAYER: Lord God it is easy to be offended when we are hurt by someone. Help me learn to overlook things that could escalate into a bitter, revengeful spirit. You want us to be loving and kind and  not someone wanting to get back at people. Help me show love and learn to forgive. In Jesus Name. Amen.