Have you ever felt offended? And of course the answer is yes, because in Luke 17:1 it says "It is impossible but that offences will come..." (KJV)
When someone hurts us ~ in word or deed, real or perceived ~ our flesh can easily take offense and feel quite justified in how we feel, or worse yet, react/respond. And if we're not careful, with offense can come long standing hurt, strongholds, a sense of betrayal, resentment, abandonment, and on and on the list goes. What offense just came to your mind ~ from today, a week ago, a month ago, years ago?
But, what do we do with that offense?
Jesus says, we are to forgive, as HE forgave us! In fact, Jesus says we are to forgive 7 x 70 times ... ouch! When Peter asked Jesus "How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?" Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!" (Matthew 18:21-22 CEV)
But how do we really forgive those who have hurt us?
We forgive those who have offended us by following the example Jesus gave us. Just envision Jesus, who was wrongly accused and hung on a cross ... What did He do? "And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do..." Luke 23:34.
You may say, well...that was Jesus. Yes, it was. But, as believers, we have His power, wisdom and strength to follow His example. By the grace of God, we forgive, because HE forgave us! We love, because HE first loved us! ... And then we ask and allow God to heal our wounds ~ as HE surrounds us with HIS unconditional and trustworthy Love and renews our mind with His Word.
And though we forgive, we must also assure that our hearts are pure and that our forgiveness is deep rooted, not simply intellectual. Thankfully, God knows our heart, and that is why we ask God to reveal truth. For truth be told, even though we believe we have forgiven, something or someone may trigger the hidden, unresolved hurt from a past offense and we realize ... we really haven't forgiven!
So, I encourage you to observe your reactions to offense ~ what comes out of your mouth/heart ~ and ask the Lord to show you, through His Word, how to let go/lay aside and truly, deeply forgive. Forgiveness is freedom for us! And, as my friend Jayne says: don't let offense rent space in your brain! Fill it instead with God's loving Words/Truth!
Resources:
I encourage you to read John Bevere's book, "The Bait of Satan - Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense" with it's devotional. It has a wealth of information on identifying the traps and the truth of God's Word.
Proverbs 18:19 "A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle."
Matthew 24:10 "And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred."
Matthew 24:10 "And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred."
Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Luke 17:4 "And even if he sins against you seven times in a day,and turns to you seven times and says I repent (I am sorry), you must forgive him(give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled)."
Matthew 26:59, 63, 67 "Now the chief priests and the whole council (the Sanhedrin) sought to get false witnesses to testify against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death; ... But Jesus kept silent... Then they spat in His face and struck Him with their fists; and some slapped Him in the face"
Proverbs 4:18-27 (Amplified) "But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared]. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil."
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