No Offense, But...

I’ve used this phrase before, maybe you have too. It actually means “what I’m about to say is most likely going to offend you, but I’m going to say it anyway.” When I reread that sentence it sounds rude and self serving. Well, it is.

What does the Bible say about offenses:

A person's wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God. 1 Corinthians 10:32

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:23

It seems the world we live in today is full of people that are offended; politically, patriotically, personally, racially, and more. How do we navigate in such a world?

The verses above are quite clear; we are not to take offense. If Jesus could do it, so can we! But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. We can’t do it on our own. We have to partner with God.

We serve a Lord who sees all and knows all. He knows how being offended feels, he experienced it too. The difference is that Jesus refused to let the offense get under his skin and bother him beyond the initial attack.

Jesus took everything to the Father. Often we are told that he went away to a quiet place to pray. It’s how we win the battle over offense as well. We take it to the Father and leave it there in His strength.

I would love to get your feedback or hear from you. Leave a comment or follow me on social media @ Facebook/Kym-Forrest_Author.