Shouts of GraceЗагвар

Grace to Overcome Offenses

There are many ways that we can take offense toward someone or something. You can get offended at someone that hurt you by something they said or did to you. You can get offended by something that someone is not doing, like following rules, laws or expectations that you have for them. Retaliating negatively, or holding on to an offense and not dealing with it can add fuel to the fire. It can lead to hatred, rage, anger, resentment, bitterness and cursing. How you react to offense in your life will show you what is in your heart.

Jesus said, “What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). Have you done a heart check lately on yourself? I’m not talking about checking your pulse or your heart rate, but the condition of your inner heart, your inner man. What words do you use when someone gets under your skin, jabs at you with their words, or pulls into your parking spot that you were waiting so patiently for? Are you reacting by judging, complaining, fighting or cursing? Or, are you praying, blessing and being patient with them? Jesus says earlier in Luke 6, “Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you” (Luke 6:27-28).

How in the world do we react as Jesus is teaching us to react? We need the grace of God through His word to guide us and lead us in every situation we face. If you follow Jesus’ example when you get offended, then you will get the God results. Those results are righteousness, peace, and joy in your heart. Jesus says in Luke 6 to love your enemies, do good to them, pray for them, bless them, be kind to them. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High. (Luke 6:27-36)

Just as God has shown you grace when you messed up, He is asking you to show the same grace to others when they mess up too. Receiving forgiveness for your own sins will heal your heart from any hardness, bitterness or hate that has been built up from taking and holding on to an offense. Then you will be free to forgive others who have wronged you.

Forgiveness and grace can also put out a fire before it starts. As Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Try to be slow to speak, slow to react, and quick to listen to the word of God. The Holy Spirit will remind you how to react by His word that is in your heart. That is the grace of God flowing in your life!

- Adam Ewert

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me every time I mess up. Thank you that when I confess my wrongdoings, you are faithful to forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness. Forgive me for any offense that I have taken against you and others. I chose to forgive everyone and everything just as you have forgiven me. Help me to be patient with others and not take offense. Thank You for Your word and Your grace that guides me in every situation in life. In Jesus name. Amen.

Journal Directions

1. Do a heart check on yourself and take some time to reflect on any offenses that have recently come your way. How have you reacted to those offenses? What are the first words that came out of your mouth?
2. Are you holding on to any offenses that you have taken against others? How will you rely on the grace of God to overcome those offenses?
3. Jesus said that if you do not forgive others that you will not be forgiven. How does that change your perspective on how you will react to offenses in your life?