What does god say about offense?

What Does God Say About Offense?

Offense is a feeling that we all experience from time to time. Whether it’s a perceived injustice, a hurtful word, or a betrayal, we’ve all been on the receiving end of an offense at some point. But what does God have to say about offense?

God’s View of Offense

In His Word, God has spoken extensively about offense. According to the Bible, God takes offense very seriously, and He has a lot to say about how we should handle it.

Romans 12:17-18

[] Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. [] On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

In these verses, Paul is talking about the importance of forgiveness and not taking revenge when we’ve been offended. Instead of seeking revenge, we’re to leave room for God’s wrath to take care of the offense. This is a critical concept to understand, because when we take matters into our own hands and try to seek revenge, it can lead to more hurt and offense.

Luke 6:27-28

[] But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [**]

Here, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of loving our enemies and not seeking revenge. When someone offends us, we’re to respond with kindness and generosity, rather than trying to get even. This is a difficult task, but it’s the way of Christ.

Ephesians 4:26-27

[] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. []

In this passage, Paul is warning us about the power of our words. When we speak negatively or bitterly about someone who has offended us, we’re only causing more harm and offense. Instead, we’re to use our words to build each other up and speak life into those around us.

The Consequences of Holding onto Offense

When we hold onto offense, it can have serious consequences for our relationship with God and with others.

Hebrews 12:15

[] See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up, causing trouble and defiling many. []

When we refuse to forgive and let go of offense, it can lead to bitterness and resentment in our hearts. This bitterness can spread and cause problems in our relationships with others, and even with God.

Matthew 6:14-15

[] For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [] But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.” [**]

Here, Jesus is teaching us about the importance of forgiveness. When we refuse to forgive someone who has offended us, we’re actually refusing God’s forgiveness for ourselves.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that God has given us to handle offense.

Colossians 3:13

[] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [**]

In this passage, Paul is teaching us to forgive each other, just as God has forgiven us. When we forgive others, we’re not saying that what they did was okay, but rather we’re choosing to release the hurt and pain associated with the offense.

How to Handle Offense

So, how do we handle offense? Here are some practical tips:

• Pray: When we’re feeling offended, we need to pray. We need to ask God to help us to forgive and to understand the situation.
• Identify the root of the offense: Sometimes, our offense is not so much about what the other person did, but rather about our own hurt and rejection. We need to identify the root of the offense and deal with it in a healthy way.
• Seek reconciliation: When possible, we should try to seek reconciliation with the person who has offended us. This can be a difficult and painful process, but it’s often the best way to heal and move forward.
• Forgive: Forgiveness is a choice that we must make. We can choose to forgive and release the hurt and pain associated with the offense, or we can choose to hold onto it.

Conclusion

Offense is a normal part of life, and it’s something that we all experience from time to time. But God is not surprised by our offenses, and He has given us the tools we need to handle them in a healthy way. By prayer, identification of the root of the offense, seeking reconciliation, and forgiveness, we can learn to deal with offense in a way that honors God and brings us closer to Him.

In conclusion, offense is a natural part of life, but it’s how we handle it that makes all the difference. By turning to God and seeking to forgive and reconcile, we can learn to deal with offense in a way that honors Him and brings us closer to Him.