Offense
Published on Nov 18, 2015
Dealing with Offense
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“It is impossible that no offenses should come…”
Luke 17:1 NKJV
Photo by Ryk Neethling
You can see it all around the world. It is one of the enemy’s most deadly and deceptive traps. It imprisons countless Christians, severs relationships, and widens the existing breaches between us. It is the trap of offence.
Photo by Randy Heinitz
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all…correcting those who are in opposition…that they may come to their senses and escape the snare [entrapment] of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:24–26 NKJV
Photo by Zanthia
Those who are in quarrels or opposition fall into a trap and are held prisoner to do the devil’s will. Even more alarming, they are unaware of their captivity! They are deceived, and when a person is deceived, they believe they are right even though they are not. That is why it is so essential to seriously consider the issue of offense—even if we don’t think we’re offended.
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Many are unable to function properly in their callings because of the wounds and hurts offenses have caused in their lives. They are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their full potential. We don’t want that, and neither does God.
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One way the enemy keeps a person in an offended state is to keep the offense hidden and cloaked with pride. Pride keeps us from dealing with truth. It distorts our vision. We never change when we think everything is fine. To be rid of this distortion, we must be refined.
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Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10 NKJV
Photo by Ryk Neethling
God refines with afflictions, trials, and tribulations, the heat of which separates impurities—such as unforgiveness, strife, bitterness, anger, and envy—from the character of God in our lives. Sin easily hides where there is no heat of trials and afflictions, but refinement exposes sin so we can repent and embrace a new way of living.
Photo by Werner Kunz
Offense thrives when we remain unaware of our true state. Jesus said our ability to see correctly is one of the keys to being freed from deception:
“…Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”Rev 3:18 NKJV
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See what? Your true condition! This is essential. When we ignore our condition, or when we blame others and defend our position, we are blind. It is the revelation of truth that brings us freedom.
Photo by rAmmoRRison
As you spend time in prayer, allow God’s Word to enlighten the eyes of your understanding that you may see your true condition. Only then can you become free from any offense you are harboring. Don’t let pride keep you from seeing and repenting. Let God’s love have its way so you can walk in the freedom and life of Christ!
Photo by le temple du chemisier
