SMOKE & MIRRORS: DEALING WITH OFFENSE

04/29/2024

"Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones" (Luke 17:1-2).

Many families, destiny-relationships, churches, and organizations have been unraveled by offense. In today's theme scripture, Jesus says, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!" (Luke 17:1)

Given the inevitability of offense in our social circles, how to deal with offense so that it doesn't compromise our mission is paramount. In Luke 17:3, Jesus continues, " Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." In other words, the responsibility of informing the parties that hurt you is yours. Theirs is to repent and then, you must forgive them. This is the Biblical way of dealing with offense. 

Now, some might say, I don't want to be confrontational. I will just forgive the person and move on. Hear me, you don't have to be confrontational. However, there is nothing more selfish than refusing to tell a brother or sister about the hurt they have caused you. We need to repent because this is the same reason why some don't tell others about Jesus. When you don't tell your brother or sister that they have hurt you, how then do they repent and avert the woe that comes from hurting others?

In 1 Corinthians 11:30, the Bible talks about the dangers of not discerning the Lord's Body. When Christians hurt others, particularly believers, intentionally or unintentionally, they are not discerning the Lord's Body and they may procure repercussions. 1 Corinthians 12:17 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually."

Hear me, there is a reckoning that happens anytime someone hurts another person, particularly Christians. If someone hurts you, for their sake and for love's sake, tell them so that they can repent and make amends. And let them also tell you how you hurt them so that you can repent and make amends. 

See, offense will come. But it can be an immense opportunity to grow. Spend some time right where you are, with your hands lifted, and ask the Lord to reveal and help you deal with any hurts that you have received or caused to others. Ask Him to help you deal with these accordingly, and whatever He says to do, do right now. Get on the phone, go to that person's home, and send that email as He directs. 

Let His words be sufficient for you in this season.

Have a great day!

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a true disciple of Jesus Christ. By virtue of my discipleship, I discern the Lord's Body everywhere I am. And because offense is inevitable, I deal with it the Bible way, informing those who hurt me so that they can repent. I also take ownership of everyone I hurt knowing that tenderheartedness, forgiveness, and restitution in any such case has been made abundant by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 22:31-53