Release the Offenseნიმუში

Why Release the Offense?

As a Pastor, I regularly reflect upon how we might attain greater efficiency and effectiveness in the Christian life. “Where are we as God’s people MISSING IT?” is often my question. Upon reflection, especially with regard to overcoming offense, I discovered that we have neglected to devote ourselves to preparation. I hope to talk to you today about the preparation of THE HEART….

Yesterday we discussed that in Moses' day, the priests would pick up dirt between home and the Tabernacle. Despite having had a bath before leaving home, they needed cleansing at the Brazen Laver before they could enter into the presence of God. Why? Because God desired a pure sacrifice and a pure priest to offer it. You might wonder, “how does this apply to us?” “I thought that was under the Old Covenant?” “I thought that Jesus’ blood completely washes us from sin?”

My answer is YES! That is true, my friend. Yet, we are still capable of sin, in thought, word, or deed. Once again, when Jesus uses the word “offense,” he is describing a device used to trip something in order to trap it. Daily, we encounter situations, temptations, persecutions, false accusations that have the potential to leave us wounded, scarred, broken, offended: trapped. For instance, you might think that you are “over” past abuses that you suffered. However, when coincidentally you encounter the person who hurt you - in the grocery store of all places - instantly, you begin to re-live trauma and to desire vengeance ALL OVER AGAIN. It is because you are still offended: trapped.

Plainly, releasing offenses is the principle and practice of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not merely an option; for the child of God, it is an obligation. We are commanded to forgive. There are three key reasons: for God’s sake, for our own sake, and for the sake of others in one’s life. Jesus said unforgiveness hinders our prayer, opens the door for Satanic torment, and hinders God's purpose for our lives. Therefore, we must be cleansed OFTEN from the offenses we carry. Jesus’ blood does not just remove eternal damnation from us, but it also purges our hearts from DAILY DEBRIS that would prevent us from serving God and causing others to know HIM. Ultimately, you are obligated to forgive for God’s sake. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, God has forgiven each of us. And He commands us to give the gift He has given to us… to others.

Offense will come: Jesus said so! Our responsibility is to properly release it from our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Lord, we come confessing our sin, the sin of harboring offenses. We believe You are faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. But show us how. Show us how we can live past those dark moments that seem to have marked us forever without hating whoever or whatever was responsible. We believe that You are able to do it. We trust in you. Amen.