Don’t Intend to Offend

Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

To develop a spirituality where being offended is not an option is to reach a plateau where there is little company. The Word states, "blessed are they that love thy law and nothing shall offend them."

But few have climbed to this place of rarified air. Jesus says that it is necessary that offenses come into the world, but woe to that person by whom the offense cometh.

To offend means to trip up, to cause to fall, to scandalize. We may do this inadvertently, with a pure motive, or we may intend to offend.

One thing is certain, once we have offended our brother, it is going to take a ton of work to win them back. He is harder to be won than a strong walled city.

Take care, first of all, not to be offensive. And then, get close enough to the Lord so that your sensibilities are not easily assaulted. Develop a thick spiritual skin. Understand that people say and do stupid things because they have a problem. Though they may have lashed out at you, they may really be screaming for your help.

If you are offended, don't be stubborn, the Bible says that stubbornness is as the sin of witchcraft. Rather, have forgiveness in store. Be quick to let things go and get on with life and ministry. We don't have the luxury of being hobbled by our hurt feelings.