OFFENCE
Luke 17:1-4
One of the signs of the last days, according to what Jesus said, is that many will be offended and will betray one another and will hate one another. These days, people get offended for no good reason. The rate of evil and murder has skyrocketed in recent times. There is a lot of betrayal and so much hatred in our society today. We will feel offended but it is how we deal with it that matters.
The word offence comes from the Greek word, Skandalon. Which means a snare, a noose or a trap. Generally it means to feel annoyed or hurt by something or what someone did or said. The devil will ensnare a Believer through offence and when that happens, one begins to do his will and manifest the feeling of anger, resentment, wrath and hatred towards others.
The danger is that if we allow offence in our life, it can stop the blessing of God from flowing in our life, but when we exercise patience and remain focused on God and His Word, He will turn your situations and circumstances around. It is God’s desire that you do not become offended but become dead to self.
Phil 1:9-11states: “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Offense blocks God’s blessing because it cuts one off from the power of God.
How can you deal with offences; learn to forgive quickly, learn to confront issues biblically, cultivate the habit of praying for your enemies, and make a decision early not to revenge. In conclusion, give no foothold to the devil. Offences make us give a foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27)
PRAYER: Lord help me to mature enough to live above offences that I may exhibit your love to all around me.
