Take no offense

I just took notice, recently, of a situation that almost caused me to become offended. Let me just say, I was real close to falling in the trap. One thing I've learned over the years is that offense can turn into deeper problems, like resentment which turns into bitterness, then becomes hatred. Hatred then becomes the root in people's lives developing deeper issues, resulting in negativity, misery, sickness and the like.

Jesus said in Luke 17:1 (NKJ) "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come." 

Offense can come through strangers, that drive erratically, treat us bad in a drive through or those that give us an unusual stare. Eventually we begin to look for this type of behavior often and become cynical, which concludes in offense.

We can find it among family members. Our expectations of their response create misunderstandings, thus resulting in resentment. Every situation is viewed by each individual and perceived differently. Because there is little or no converse explanation, someone gets offended. This often develops into years of hurt feelings and torn relationships.

Face it, we get easily offended if we think we are being rejected, forgotten, ignored, judged improperly, or if we don't get our own way. Selfishness, negative attitudes, and insecurity will express offense frequently. It's important to check ourself to make sure we are conveying and living daily in God's love. Agape love. Love mentioned in 1 Cor. 13:5 (GW) says, "It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs.'

These things made me stop and think about being offended or causing offense. I guess you could say, I thought twice before allowing the situation to gain control over me, mentally or spiritually. I decided NOT to be offended. I chose to forgive these people and pray for God's blessing upon them. That way I am operating in His Word doing, Pro. 17:1 "Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends."

I encourage you to let go of past wrongs or hurt feelings.  It's not worth the misery it causes. Once we forgive, we will begin to experience His grace. Blessings will flow into our life and JOY will infiltrate every part of our being. Take NO offense!


Pro. 19:11, "A person with good sense is patient, and it is to his credit that he overlooks an offense." 

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