Release the Offenseნიმუში

What Is Offense?

No humans are humanly perfect, but if you are walking with God, you are living in victory. There is, however, one strategy type that Satan utilizes to take advantage of our humanity, and that is by leading our hearts astray from God’s purpose, causing a distance between us and His will. And one technique where Satan, unfortunately, has enormous success - among believers and unbelievers - is in the area of offense.

The word ‘offend’ in the Scripture is the Greek word skandalizo, meaning “that which causes one to stumble, trip, or be trapped.” Whether intentional or inadvertent, offenses have a universal effect: they cause us to stumble into a myriad of negative emotions—anger, fear, bitterness, sorrow. Often, this stumbling traps us in a cycle of negativity. Offense in and of itself is not the problem, but what the offense leads to and sustains can be deadly. An adverse event is the offense; however, the offense can lead you to a place of being offended --- long-term --- harboring resentment. Nevertheless, while being offended is a natural occurrence, succumbing to it is not mandatory. We have the choice and the power to overcome it.

Every time we open ourselves up to a relationship or human interaction, we open ourselves up to the potential for offense. A great analogy is found in the truth that God refers to His people as a “royal priesthood,” finding symbolic parallel in the Old Testament system. The Bible informs us that in Moses’ day, when the Priests went to minister at The Tabernacle, though they were presumably clean when they left their homes, once they arrived at The Tabernacle, they had “to wash their hands and their feet” at the Brazen Laver (Exodus 30:17-21). This is because between leaving home and reaching The Tabernacle, they had come through dust and dirt; and what they had come through had attached to them. In this life, as we interact with people, places, and things, what we go through leaves a residue. Just as the ancient Priests picked up traces of soil and debris coming to the Tabernacle, our experiences –- particularly the unpleasant ones --- often leave a trace, an imprint, an aftermath.

None of us is exempt from this vulnerability. Offenses of various kinds will arise. James spoke of the prophet Elijah as a "man of like infirmities," and Paul echoed this in 1 Corinthians 10:13, emphasizing that no temptation is uncommon to humans. We all bear wounds. Be it at work, at home, or out on the town; whether it comes from family, friends, or total strangers: things transpire that we will find unjust, unfair, or downright unbearable. It is as simple as the priest walking from his tent to The Tabernacle: you must go through “dust,” and what you go through will cling to you. Offenses will come (Luke 17:1).

While sobering, there is solace in the shared nature of suffering. Jesus shared in our vulnerabilities without sinning. He experienced life’s tribulations and, as a result, serves as our Great High Priest, One Who empathizes with our weaknesses, yet without sin. Graciously, He provides a path to recovery, aiding us to rise from each trip and escape each trap.

LET US PRAY

Lord, I come before You, recognizing that I am not perfect, but trusting in Your grace. Help me to align my heart with Your Will. I ask for the strength to walk in faith, free from the burden of offense. Guide me, Lord, as I acknowledge that there are those things or people that have offended me. Lead me in Your path of righteousness. Cause my heart to reflect Your love and forgiveness so that I may live in victory, as You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen