Offense

Jesus said offense will come in Matthew 18:7. This world is not perfect. No it is broken. It is turned over. There are many spiteful, damaging, bitter, immature and anger-fuelled behaviors. Siblings hurt each other. Parents hurt children. Children hurt parents. Friends hurt friends. Spouses hurt each other. It is a fact of life. offense is part of a broken world’s DNA. And so in such a state, offense will certainly come. People will hurt others, intentionally or not. Jesus informs us that we are not living in a perfect world. However He says ‘woe’ through whom offense comes.

We have to pay attention to that word, ‘woe’. Causing offense to others is not what we should be doing casually or with no repentance. Woe is a rebuke. We have to be careful of others’ feelings. We have to be careful not to thread on others. It hurts when we do this; and if it hurts others, especially if they are children of God, you bet it hurts God’s heart. Because as we are the apple of God’s eye, so are they. We do not have a license to this place. He shows no partiality.

Are you the one who has caused an offense? If you know that this is the case, then go and ask for forgiveness. You don’t want a rebuke hanging over you. Do not let it go on another day. Do not allow their hurt to linger. Don’t let their heart be troubled another day.

There are some people who just keep creating offense. They keep hurting others, thinking nothing of it. If you are such a person, then you really do not know the heart of God. God’s heart is to bring His people into a place of peace; offense does the opposite. Ask God to show you His heart, so you can bring peace and not strife. Ask God to change your fruits.

And if you are the one that has been hurt, and you hold it in your heart and can’t let go, ask God to help you today. The more you hold it, the more you are enslaved by the offense. The more you let it fester, the more joy you waste on it. It is better to give than to receive. And so I implore you today to give forgiveness to the person that has offended you. Even if they do not ask for it, give it. So you can be free.

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Linda Faith

Linda faith is the Editor in Chief of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.