29 Sep 2011 11 Comments
Free from the Stronghold of Offense
Why are we offended? Did someone cut in front of us on the freeway? Were we left out when the invitations were sent? Or were we the offenders?
Why is this still a stronghold in our highly sophisticated, politically correct, tolerant, information-age lives?
Every day in our society we have an opportunity to take or give offense. Every day of our lives we either hear about, or experience, cultural differences. We never know how we will act or react until we face a roadblock/hot-button/challenge.
- By the way, “the definition of tolerance for some people means ‘we have to not only accept a difference, but we have to conform to it’. That’s not tolerance. And it is cause for offense. Especially to God. Forcing ‘conforming tolerance’ against Biblical teaching, is psychological control, intolerant, and manipulative.” –Pola Muzyka
Sorry if I've offended you. I didn't mean to.
What is politically correct today could be offensive tomorrow to those who don’t know Christ. So hold on. There is a way to break free.
Remember the disciple, Peter, had no idea how he was going to react when someone accused him of being a follower of Christ.
Biblical tips to overcome offense:
1. Ask forgiveness and give it freely.
Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us [who has offended us or done us wrong]. And bring us not into temptation but rescue us from evil.
2. Try to understand the other point of view. If it is irrational, try to explain humbly, with patience, prayer, and clarity.
Proverbs 18:19 An offended brother is more resistant than a strong city, and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.
3. Be loyal to Christ. God does not answer the prayers of double minded people.
Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, You will all be offended and stumble and fall away because of Me this night [distrusting and deserting Me], for it is written, I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.
4. Love at all times. Love your brother, sister, neighbor, enemy, and so forth. That doesn’t free you from offense. But it does free you from the stronghold of offense.
Proverbs 17:17 17A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.
John 15:15b But I’ve called you friends because I’ve made known to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father.
John 15:17 17Love each other. This is what I’m commanding you to do.
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 19:19 Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
5. Believe what you know and know what you believe. The more you read the Word of God, the stronger your faith becomes, and the easier it is for you to follow the teachings of Christ.
Mark 4:17
And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.
Get your FREE study guide booklet, Biblical Solutions for Social and Cultural Issues in Our World Today, written by Pola Muzyka.
Oct 01, 2011 @ 13:05:42
Good and timely message. Offense is one of those sins that Christians tend to justify–God doesn’t justify it or overlook it in us. he wants us to confront and deal with this part of our nature.
Oct 01, 2011 @ 13:29:42
Thank you for elaborating on the message. This is a good comment. Hope you’ll read and comment on the message I’ve just published: http://polamuzyka.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/free-to-love-unconditionally/
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