Resentment. Anger. Insult. If you’ve been offended by someone, you’re familiar with these feelings. The pain has broken your spirit. The negative effect in your life doesn’t seem to go away. God makes it clear; the offense will come. (“… offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!” Luke 17:1KJV)
No matter how good of a person you are, you WILL be offended. The good news, God has given you specific instructions for how to deal with those who offend you. The most important step forward in overcoming offense is to approach the person who offended you with forgiveness in your heart. No matter how many times they offend you or sin against you should forgive them. (“until seventy times seven” Matthew 18:21-22)
Perhaps the offense came through misunderstanding, or misinterpretation of what a person said, or did. By viewing this person with a forgiving heart, you may see that the person was not deliberately mistreating you. Or, perhaps there is no excuse for their downright wrong behavior and you say in your heart “I cannot forgive because of the magnitude of the offense.” God tells us to bless them that curse you, and pray for those that despitefully use you, or mistreat you. It may take you awhile to overcome your feelings, but it becomes spiritually destructive when you hold on to that offense and refuse to let go. Holding unresolved and unconfessed offenses close to your heart will hinder your relationship with God and stifle your Christian love for others, especially for the person who offended you.
Remember God cannot prevent offenses, but He does make a way to overcome them when they happen. And remember no matter how hard you try to avoid it, the offense will come. So be ready to forgive. God will help you!
What Does GOD Say?
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you”(Luke 6:27-28 NKJV)
Other Verses: Luke 17:1-2; Matthew 18:21-22; Proverbs 18:19
