Don’t be offended – warning it will destroy you learn how not to be offended
DON’T BE OFFENDED!
Are you easily offended? Don’t be. It is not worth it. It will only destroy you and never fix the problem or get even with who or whatever has offended you. Life is filled with offenses. So, how do we deal with an offense? First, let me warn you.
Warning: do not read this if you’re easily offended because what I am about to share may offend you. There is an epidemic spreading across America. I call it “Offend-initis”! This is a condition in which anything and everything offends the person. Symptoms include hypocrisy, prejudice, intolerance, hurt feelings, resentment, irritability, insensitivity, lack of self-control, and the tendency to overreact when anyone says or does something they don’t like. Today it seems everyone is upset by everything. People are too easily offended.
Choose Not to Be Offended
Here’s the thing – you can choose to be “unoffendable.” Being offended is a matter of choice. So, make the decision today not to be offended! Don’t be easily offended. This does not mean that things are not offensive. The world we live in is filled with actions, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that are OFFENSIVE. However, we have the power to choose not to be offended by them.
Offense is the Bait of Satan
Are you easily offended? There are too many people who have developed the bad habit of taking offense. They even take on the offenses of others. We see it on social media all the time where people become offended because someone else was offended. The airwaves are filled with people spouting off their support and taking up the offense of others. Unfortunately, being offended has become a right of passage. It is often promoted and encouraged. Make no mistake the spirit of offense is the “bait of Satan”. Satan uses offense as a weapon against believers to steal, kill, and destroy their testimony, marriage, and life. Don’t let the devil steal from you.
Offense Defined
Offense is something that causes displeasure, humiliation, anger, resentment, insult, slight or hurt. The devil will often use those closest to you to try and bring offense. If you fail to properly deal with offense it will develop into bitterness, strife, hatred, uncontrolled anger, outrage, jealousy, and deception. The fruit of offense brings division, broken relationships, backsliding, and misery. You can choose not to be offended.
Sign of the End Times
Jesus identified mass offense as a sign of the last days, as a sign of perilous times. “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. (Matthew 24:10) We can expect the world to be swallowed up in offense and hatred, but as believers, we need to be on guard against the wiles of the devil. Jesus is not coming back for a bitter, offended, resentful Church! He’s coming back for an overcoming and victorious church, a Bride without spot or blemish. (Eph. 5:27)
How to Not be Easily Offended
Freedom from offense is essential because the world is full of offenses. Every person who has ever lived on this earth has the opportunity to be offended. As said earlier we live in a world that is very offensive, but the issue is how do we respond when confronted with an offense. We must choose not to be offended. Proverbs 19:11 tells us, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (NIV)
Finding Freedom in Love and Forgiveness
Love and forgiveness always defeat offense. We need to forfeit our right to be offended and choose to forgive. That means forfeiting our right to hold on to anger. It requires a spirit of humility. Holding on to offense never solves a problem or does it ever get even. Holding on to unforgiveness only hurts us.
Forgiveness is motivated by love. Love and forgiveness are an act of grace. Grace isn’t for the deserving. We don’t forgive because someone deserves or earned it. We by love and grace choose to forgive. Forgiving means surrendering our claim to resentment and letting go of anger.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Love never fails…” 1Cornthians 13:8
Don’t Take the Bait
Don’t get caught in the world of offense. Guard your heart for out of it flow the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) Choose to walk in love. “Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:28) Don’t take the bait of Satan, choose to not be offended.
You Can Do It
Are there any offenses you need to forgive? Have you been wronged? Mistreated? Harmed? Are you angry, mad, upset, frustrated? These are all normal initial reactions to being offended, but don’t keep them. Let go of them. Choose to not be easily offended. Choose to love and forgive.
