Wisdom Nuggets 1Sample

A Spirit of Offense: A Rock Causing Many to Stumble.

Offense is a spirit that holds many people captive, producing untold pain and heartache. It captures us when we become offended and drawback in passive complacency, not facing and dealing with the injustices sold to us. Doing this causes a root of bitterness to take hold of us. Do you have a temper? It came from somewhere. Where?

Here's how to detect an offended and bitter spirit. People who get their feelings hurt all the time are too sensitive. Often bitter people always demand that others treat them right. This is self-centered, and it's something that God never promised. Few of us can live up to the expectations of an offended and wounded individual. Is this you or someone you may know? Are you overly sensitive and easily hurt? Go to God and figure out why. Dig into your past, and the pain will produce a picture pointing to where, when, and how the hurt and bitterness entered.

Think about it:

Can you think of a time you were offended by something but looked back later to realize you overreacted? Why do you think you were insulted? Are you currently bitter toward someone and need to forgive them?

Pray about it:

Dear God, open my eyes to my offended heart and let me forgive those who have hurt me. Let me have a spirit of peace that is not easily offended. Thank you for overlooking my offenses through the blood of Jesus. In his name, Amen.

Do something about it:

When you get offended about something, think about why you were offended. Did the person who offended you have malicious intent? Try to think about the situation from their perspective, giving the benefit of the doubt to the person.