THE UNOFFENDED LEADER

Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

In every relationship, there are moments when you have the opportunity to get offended at something that was said or done by the other person. Be it a misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or disagreement, the opportunity for offense presents itself in every relationship. This is even true when you serve and lead in the church. Whether it's from students or other team members, an offense can impact our ability to lead the next generation. Offense can create hardness of the heart.

The bible makes no allowance for offense; rather, it empowers us to live with an unoffended heart, and in doing so, have more impact through our serving and leadership. An unoffended heart responds instead of reacts and resolves instead of retaliates.

Living with an unoffended heart doesn’t mean we negate the validity of hurt or the reality of wrongdoing. Instead, we focus on protecting the condition of our heart.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

AN OFFENDED HEART:
- Limits your impact
- Deceives you of reality
- Robs you of joy
- Distracts you of your purpose

AN UNOFFENDED HEART:
- Relinquishes the burden of bitterness
- Creates a greater understanding of others
- Frees you of a hardened heart
- Is a testament to God’s work in your life

Above all, leading with an unoffended heart mirrors the life of the ultimate Leader, who extends unending grace and forgiveness to all of us. In doing this, we become vessels of His Love and a source of His grace. We display the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.

Colossians 3:13 NLT
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: Where am I allowing an offense to take root in my heart?