|
July 5, 2023
How to Dismantle Offense
Beloved one, many times we don’t realize the enemy is setting us up for offense. It’s hidden behind a spirit of pride and self-righteousness. Satan is sneaky! He will sneak up behind you, and bam! You’re trapped before you know it. The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day were extremely self-righteous, and they were offended by Jesus left and right. (Matthew 15:12) The Pharisees and Sadducees were so offended by Christ that it made them go crazy to the point they wanted Him dead.
Offense breeds hatred and anger. I have seen it firsthand with people I know who were once Christian that leave the faith to live a lifestyle contrary to God’s way. The world is so offended by our beliefs that they hate us. It breaks my heart .and my prayer is that these people will become walking testimonies like the prodigal son. This is what offense does it divides and brings hatred. (Matthew 24:10, 5) They shall deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for m namesake. And then many shall be offended and shall betray one another and shall hate one another.
The Spirit of Offense Casts off Love. (1 Corinthians 13) says love is: patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, it’s not self-seeking, love is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Offense cannot coexist with love. It’s impossible. If there is true Godly love, there then the offense will not be able to ensnare you. But let us not be naïve. It can still tempt or bait you to fall for it. We must be rooted and grounded in Christ and the Word. Bearing the fruit of the Spirit and remaining in Him. The signs of a spirit of offense: creating division, self-righteousness, hatred & anger, and casting off love.
What can we do to dismantle the spirit of offense or break its power in our lives? Is there a way for us not to walk in the offense? Learn to guard our hearts against offense with the help of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 4:23 says we are to guard our heart with all diligence, or above all else, for out of it flows the issues of life or you will be a well-spring of life. When you feel offended forgive the person. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools we are given in setting ourselves free. 99% of the time offense is just a misunderstanding. Usually, the person did not mean to offend you. Let it go and forgive! Now if the person or people were being intentional about causing the offense, what do you do? You still forgive them. No matter what, you must bring it to Jesus, give it to Him, and let it go! Ask the Father to forgive you for being offended. Forgiving others breaks the power of offense.
Next, eat some humble pie. The Bible says when we humble ourselves, God will lift us up. (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6-7) Remind yourself that you are not always right or perfect either and that you have probably done the same to others. No one has it all together and we should be patient and kind to others no matter where they are in life. Forgiveness and humbling yourself go hand in hand.
Lastly, pray. Praying ties into forgiveness. As you talk to the Lord ask Him to help you in this area. At some point in life, you were rejected and that is a super sensitive area, and a scab came over that wound because it’s not completely healed. When someone bumps the sore, it starts to bleed again, then you react instead of responding. Perhaps, when you were growing up no one listened to you. You do have a voice and what you have to say is important. Ask God for more love and kindness. Pray for the person who offended you. Bless them and ask Jesus to touch them with His love and presence. As I have matured spiritually and dealt with the pain of the past, I choose to not be offended. Pray for the person who offended you, give it to Jesus, and shake it off!
Pray with me:
Father God, I boldly come before your throne and confess to you I am offended at ____. I ask You to please forgive me for getting offended and show me if there is an area in my soul that needs healing. I forgive ____ for the offense. I pray for ____ and bless ____, I know when I forgive and let it an offense go, I inherit the blessing. Holy Spirit You are the revealer of all truth. Thank you for guiding me into all truth, healing me, and making me whole in Jesus’ all-powerful name. Amen. (John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10)
|
