Here’s how to lessen offense:
1. We only take it personally because we don’t live for the eternal.
When our eyes are focused on expanding His Kingdom forward, it’s hard to take things personally because you are only about Him. Let everything about us be about His kingdom.
2. When it’s about us, we are offended. When it’s about Him, we don’t take it personally. Yes, offenses happen, but they don’t have to be deep if we truly live for Him.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” ~ Galatians 2:20 NKJV
3. Change (it’s offensive to some) isn’t about how bad we are. It’s so He can move through us. Some people take the need for change offensive. It’s almost like us not being like Him is too much, but it isn’t. It’s our reasonable sacrifice.
“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” ~ Romans 12:1 NKJV
4. Offense happens less when we see who the real enemies are.
Something about seeing this in our hearts protects us from the enemies’ devices.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the devil’s wiles. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV
5. If we know Grace, we give grace – our sin is so bad towards God, yet He sent His only begotten Son to pay for our sin so we could be in a relationship with our Heavenly Father again.
When Grace touches our hearts, forgiveness, patience, long-suffering, peace, etc, fill our hearts for others.
If it’s not there, we have gotten off. Just ask the Lord what got in the Way of His Grace so we can be at peace again.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” ~ I John 4:19 NKJV
“Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.” ~ Luke 23:34 NKJV
6. It keeps us from torment & a life without peace.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, you’re heavenly. Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men there. Trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ~ Matthew 6:14,15
“Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” ~ Matthew 18:33-35 NKJV
7. Talking it out TO RECONCILE us the Way to deal with unforgiveness with believers.
Sometimes, people will never apologize, even if they are believers, but our first go-to is to have a crucial conversation in love with those who hurt us. It’s not to punish them but so our hearts can release the offense & we can be reconciled.
“If your brother sins against you, tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
~ Matthew 18:15-16 ESV
8. Gossip is evidence – if we still have to talk about someone’s blight toward us, it’s unforgiveness. Let’s not get into another sin because we are unwilling to chat with those who offended us or forgive them if they aren’t willing to talk.
9. Deliverance is returning to the church, and it’s awesome! BUT!!! The biggest reason I see over so many sessions is unforgiveness. It allows the enemy to torment us and block our blessing, and the grace that protects and strengthens us away from sin leaves.
Let’s learn forgiveness & how the enemy takes so many believers out!
Love you guys!
