Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive JoySample

Offer your offense to Christ

It’s not about whether you'll be offended, but how you respond when you are. One hundred percent of offenses come through people. Offenses can come from family, colleagues, church members, and other sources. As believers, we must view offense through the lens of Scripture. Do not think it strange, as some random event happens, which is what Peter warned us about. When attacks come, we should understand that the enemy is very calculated in his schemes, and He always strikes when we least expect it. That's why offenses are so hard to recognize and recover from. My experience with offense is interesting. It’s as if I study a biblical principle and plant the word in the soil of my heart; then comes the test.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the parable of the Sower. There are three types of soil in a person’s heart where the word lands—some words fall by the wayside and are quickly devoured. Others fall on stony ground; this one is tricky because something sprouts up, meaning the word lands on the soil of one's heart and is even received well, but due to a lack of roots, the joy felt when hearing the word is quickly lost, and offense sets in over time. But then there is the good soil where the word grows and bears fruit. The latter is where we should be, but most people find themselves somewhere in the middle.

If someone has ever hurt you, you know it takes a lot of courage and reliance on God to prevent a root of bitterness from forming. It requires deep effort and intentionality to surrender the offense as an offering, trusting that God will teach you a lesson and give you strength on the other side. The truth that God reveals to your heart will be attacked. When you forgive someone, another offense may arise. When you stand on the foundation of faith, a fact may attempt to cause you to shift from solid faith to doubt and unbelief. When you begin the journey of healing from rejection, the enemy will use others to send fiery darts of rejection your way. It's always a constant struggle to avoid offenses.

The hope is that we are not blindly fighting for something, but rather equipped with weaponry to help, cover, and strengthen us in times of need. That weaponry is the Word of God. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the imagery of a soldier at war for their faith. This imagery of the pieces offered to us isn't for trivial civilian affairs but for the real fight that is for our souls. Satan knows that a bitter man who is unwilling to forgive can’t inherit the kingdom. He understands that someone who lives with deep, dark offenses hidden in their heart can't experience true joy. Our adversary is aware that using people close to us or whose opinions we hold in high regard will magnify the challenges in our lives. Still, Peter said, it's going to feel strange, but don't you think of it as such- it’s expected.

How do you handle your offenses? When someone hurts you, do you look to return evil for evil? When you encounter a strange yet deeply hurtful betrayal, do you gossip about it or turn to your heavenly father in prayer?

The Bible is clear: offenses will come, but woe to those who commit them. Blessed are those who endure hardship as good soldiers of God. God has your back. Keep the soil of your heart in good standing so that you may bear fruit when you are offended. Offer your offenses to the Lord on His holy altar, trusting His purpose for evil. God is fighting for you.

Be encouraged.