What the Bible Says About Offense
Offense is a common experience for many of us. We can offend others unintentionally, or we can be offended by others’ words, actions, or attitudes. As Christians, it is essential to understand what the Bible says about offense to live a life that glorifies God and builds positive relationships with others.
Contents
What Does the Bible Say About Offense?
Before diving into the Bible’s teaching on offense, let’s define what offense means. Offense can be defined as a wrongdoing, a hurt, or an injury caused to another person’s feelings, pride, or reputation (Oxford Dictionary). When we offend someone, it means we have caused harm to their emotional well-being.
The Bible has many instances where offense is involved, and it provides clear teachings on how to navigate situations where we are tempted to take offense or be offended. Here are some key passages that shed light on the Bible’s teachings on offense:
- 1 Corinthians 10:32-33: "Give no offense nor to Jews nor to Greeks nor to the church of God, just as I please them in all things…" God commands believers to avoid giving offense in their daily lives and to be mindful of those who may be easily hurt by our words or actions.
- Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’" This parable teaches us that as followers of Christ, we are called to extend forgiveness and mercy to those who offend us, regardless of the number of times they may sin against us.
Understanding Offense in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of offense and the consequences of taking offense. Some significant instances include:
| Passage | Description |
|---|---|
| Leviticus 18:6-7, 20:17-18 | God commands believers to avoid taking offense over small matters, such as differences in food or personal hygiene. |
| Matthew 5:23-24 | Jesus teaches about the importance of reconciling with others before offering our gifts to God. He emphasizes that we are not to take offense, even when others wrong us. |
| Proverbs 12:16, 29:8-9 | The book of Proverbs warns against harboring resentment and taking offense. It encourages believers to live at peace with others and to forgive quickly when offense occurs. |
In the Old Testament, we see that offense often leads to conflict and can even cause damage to relationships. For instance, the story of Saul and David in 1 Samuel 24:6-7, 25:2-3 is an example of how taking offense can lead to long-term consequences in relationships.
A New Testament Perspective on Offense
In the New Testament, we see a shift from focusing on avoiding offense as an individual to suffering offense as we live out our faith in Christ. Here are some key passages that reflect this perspective:
- Acts 14:6-18: Peter and John were arrested, flogged, and publicly shamed for teaching the gospel. Despite experiencing offense, they continued to preach the truth without compromise.
- 1 Peter 3:13-17: Peter encourages believers to suffer patiently when they are oppressed, insulted, and persecuted. He reminds us that Christ suffered before us and that our sufferings are not separate from His.
- Matthew 5:39-42: Jesus commands His followers to resist not evil or take offense when we are insulted or persecuted. Instead, we are called to turn the other cheek and seek first the kingdom of God.
In the New Testament, we see that offense is no longer a personal issue but an opportunity to demonstrate faith and trust in God. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with injustice, persecution, or evil.
Biblical Principles for Overcoming Offense
So, what does the Bible say we should do when we’re faced with offense? Here are some key principles that can help us navigate such situations:
- Love is the answer: Love is the greatest commandment, and it is also the greatest antidote to offense. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8) and can help us extend forgiveness and mercy to others even when they offend us.
- Forgiveness is essential: Forgiveness is not limited to the offender’s past behavior but is required in the present moment for the sake of our spiritual well-being (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Prayer helps us overcome offense: The Bible encourages us to take our concerns and offenses to God in prayer (1 Corinthians 10:10). Prayer enables us to release our pain and bitterness, allowing God to heal and restore our relationships.
- Love others as ourselves: Treating others with the same love and respect we show to ourselves is crucial for avoiding offense. How we treat others is how we treat God (Matthew 25:34-40).
In conclusion, the Bible provides valuable teachings on offense, revealing the importance of avoiding and overcoming it. By following biblical principles, such as extending forgiveness, treating others with love, and surrendering to God, we can live a life free from the negative consequences of offense and build positive, redemptive relationships with others.
