OFFEND: Word of the Day

 

Webster’s definition of offend is “to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done.” Bam! There it is, one of the emotions that have separated relationships between family and friends for centuries past, and I’m sure into the far away future.

God’s ‘wisdom book’ of Proverbs has two important reminders for us about our reaction to being offended:

• Proverbs 1:11 also proclaims “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
• Proverbs 17:9 says “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

We are people who hurt, disappoint, and offend each other all of the time. There are numerous other things we do that are not very loving, but those are some things I was just thinking about. I’m sure I have offended people unintentionally just by being me. A wise person will accept those offenses, and show grace with love. However, an unwise one will start a score card, checking off each time they are offended by another person. WOA! Let's all stop that right now. Ask the Spirit of God to help you choose not to take offense, and foster love. And stop talking about each other: that is gossip when it isn’t going to help clear the matter up. (That's going to be another word of the day soon).

Oh when I think about how many times I have offended the Lord, I want to weep. Isaiah 5:12 in particular reminded me that “For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us.” However, Isaiah 44:22 tells us that God is forgiving: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

We must be redeemed, or bought at a price, to be forgiven by God. Jesus is the ONE who has redeemed us by dying on the cross for our sins. Our offenses (sins) are wiped clean when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. If I can help you understand this better, please contact me. I love to talk about Jesus!

I choose to forgive people who offend me!

Becky Capps
Encourager