Beware of offenses
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them (Psalms. 119:165 )
To offend someone is to “cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful”. Jesus said offenses will certainly come (Luke 17:1). People around us, from our loved ones to “our enemies” and everyone else in-between will sooner or later offend you, whether intentionally or not. Some of you reading this devotional today are on your way to work and might be welcomed with an offense from a coworker. Others have already been offended by what “he said” or “she did”.
One way, unfortunately, the most popular way, that many will respond to an offense is to be offended in return, and react with anger, hurt and bitterness. Some will carry this offense for days and even months and years. There are few things that will hurt your spirit, soul, and body like an offended spirit (Prov 17:22; 18:14).
God’s command to us is to love rather than take offense at offenses. You see, the issue is not the person who causes the offense, but your reaction to the offense. Everyone will get offended, and you may even be told you are right in doing so. But you will NEVER be right with God in being offended. But children of God react the God-way. Responding to an offense with love, peace and keeping your cool is a great sign of spiritual maturity and peace within you. Bitter individuals instantly respond to offenses with bitterness, anger, and offense. Those with God’s peace inside are in control. The Lord once told me that no one “can abuse, misuse or hurt you because He is watching over you”, so there is no reason to fight with people who seem to want to offend you!
MEDITATE
The Word in your mind and mouth (1 Tim 4:15; Josh 1: 8)
Think deeply about the truth that you can live with nothing offending you. That is God’s Word. Declare it to yourself, that nothing shall offend you in your home, workplace, Church, school, etc
PRAY
Water the Seed (word) to grow. Invite the Spirit’s strength! (Isa 32:15; Zach 4:6)
Ask God for the ability to respond to offense with love and grace. This is nothing but God’s own very character and it will take His help through His Spirit to live this way.
APPLY THE WORD TODAY!
Your door to a blessed life today is doing God’s Word. Refuse to be a hearer or reader only! (James 1:22-26)
Choose love rather than offense today. It is important to do His Word. Do not read it and cherish it only. Make it your habit.
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