MAINTAIN THE JOY OF THE SPIRIT

12/5/2023

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Certain issues lurk in the blind spot of our lives, which can make the Word of God unproductive in our lives. We have become accustomed to some of these issues without knowing, and one such issue is offense. 

Offense can be so subtle that we fail to realize it's there. This was the case with Martha in Luke 10. She was so wrapped up in her little world that she got offended at every little thing that didn't go her way. When you study Luke 10, you see someone who was controlling and prideful, yet she didn't see herself that way. One may question why Mary chose to listen to Jesus instead of entertaining Him and providing Him with food like Martha—a seemingly appropriate gesture for a guest. However, you must realize that being right in the eyes of men does not mean right in the eyes of God. The issue didn't lie in Martha's hospitality; rather, Jesus was concerned about her being influenced by a cloud of offense. Thus, He said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things." In essence, Jesus conveyed that while it's fine for Martha to engage in cooking, she shouldn't let Mary's choice to listen to Him steal her joy. 

Child of God, why revisit negative experiences in your thoughts? Why invest days, weeks, months, or even years dwelling on how someone wronged you? Why permit those memories to dictate the course of your beautiful destiny in Christ? 

It often takes the Holy Spirit to reveal subtle areas of offense in our lives. However, there are identifiable symptoms, and one of them is withdrawal. Using withdrawal as a coping mechanism in the face of conflict is a common approach. However, many fail to realize that withdrawing does not address the underlying issue. Avoiding dialogue and resolution in times of conflict is not a biblical approach. Instead of fostering improvement, it provides space for offense to flourish.

Offense is always to the disadvantage of the one that harbors it. Martha was offended by Jesus and Mary, but at the end of the day, she was the disadvantaged one, not Jesus or Mary. Jesus said to her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her." 

Carrying the burden of offense is akin to consuming poison with the misguided expectation that it harms someone else. Instances that could provoke offense will inevitably arise, but it is important to conscientiously choose the path of love. Unjust situations and individuals aiming to inflict harm may persist, but despite it all, prioritize walking in love, cultivating a joyful spirit, and releasing negative emotions, for your destiny holds greater value. Rise above these challenges, and you will witness the manifestation of God's glory.

Faith Filled Confession:

The joy of the Lord is my strength. I am full of joy and have no room for bitterness or offense. With joy, I draw from the wells of salvation; I access my healing, peace, strength, wealth, promotion, and faith in Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer Points:

Psalm 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

• Pray against plans to use the crises in Israel to launch other attacks in the United States.

• Pray for Washington and all who are in positions of authority in the United States.

One Year Reading Plan: Ezekiel 43-44; 2 Peter 2