Victory In The Wilderness - Helen RobertsSample

Offense

The wilderness is an isolated place and there is nothing our enemy loves more than to isolate us. One way he tries to do this is by getting us tied up in offense.

Jesus knew that everyone gets offended at some point, which is why He gave some of His most prescriptive teaching ever on this topic. When others hurt us, accidentally or on purpose, we have a choice: we can forgive and look to build a bridge, or we can be offended and build a wall. The latter is how we become isolated.

I’d like you to consider becoming like a well-oiled duck! Ducks spend most of their time in water, but their feathers are coated with a natural oil, so the water runs off them with ease. Similarly, if we are filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, offence won’t stick to us very easily.

Matthew chapter 18 contains Jesus’ crystal clear guidance on how to deal with offence. The first thing we should do, He says, is speak privately to the person who has hurt us. We shouldn’t complain to our spouse, our best friend, or the whole world on social media. Most issues can be solved privately.

Of course, Jesus knew that not everyone would admit their fault. If that happens, then and only then, a third party should be brought into the discussion – someone respected by both parties with the wisdom to mediate.

The final stage, if all else fails and the relationship is in danger of becoming permanently fractured, is to go to the church and seek further help.

In over seventeen years of leading a church family, I have only seen a whole church need to be involved in a dispute on one occasion. Jesus wants us to value all of our relationships so that we live together in unity, not in isolation. Our enemy is campaigning for the opposite!

Today, think about whether you are harboring hurt against anyone. Or alternatively, have you hurt someone and know that an apology is overdue? Jesus taught His disciples to deal swiftly with any relational issues, so we should do the same.

Then, it’s time for us to become like well-oiled ducks and allow the Holy Spirit to help us work for peace; to restore relationships; to let go of offence. Today is the day to break free from the pain of isolation and begin to heal.