SMOKE & MIRRORS: OFFENSE AND OFFERINGS

05/06/2024

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)

The purpose of offense is to block any traffic between the spiritual and the physical realm. Christians have vast deposits of blessings but may have no way to access them from the heavenly places because of the presence of an unforgiven hurt. As a matter of fact, many believers have died in the midst of abundance, healing, and direction because they were cordoned off by a hurt that they chose not to forgive. 

Today, the Lord brings to our awareness the futility of offering a gift, ministry, or prayer while in a state of offense against someone else. To do so is akin to offering something unfit to the Lord. Leviticus 22:22 says, "Those that are blind or broken or maimed, or have an ulcer or eczema or scabs, you shall not offer to the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to the LORD." 

When a Christian is hurt or begrudged and refuses to release the hurt or grudge by settling the matter, there is a blockage that hinders giving to and receiving from God. This is why the Bible even warns married couples to avoid offense. 1 Peter 3:7 says, "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."

Your treatment of others will ultimately determine whether or not you will be able to access your rightful possessions from the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Hear me, let your heart be so tender that you forgive others for Jesus' sake. Copy Jesus who said, “...Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Hear me, those who hurt you, hurt Jesus and if they knew what they were doing, they wouldn't dare. So, let them off the hook as Jesus would have. 

As you observe your ministerial  call to continually offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable  to the Lord (refer to 1 Peter 2:5), it is equally important to observe Ephesians 4:32, which says, "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Notice that the equivalent of kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness to be demonstrated is as Christ would have demonstrated.

If this relates to you, set out to clear every offense that has transpired, even the ones that have lingered for a long time, and watch your access in the spirit be enhanced.

Have a great day.

Faith-Filled Confession

The wisdom of God is at work in me. Therefore, I deal with every offense as I ought to, sensitive to my calling to offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God. I am a priest of God, and by the help of the Holy Spirit, I remove and allow no blockages in the carriage of my day-to-day duties unto the Lord. In Jesus' name.  Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 14-15; John 1:1-28