Break the Chains of Offense

Life happens!

We know it doesn’t take long for things to come along that can offend us. Offenses snare (entrap) us and if we continue in them, they can make us bitter and even hardhearted. Offenses will keep us looking backwards toward them, which affects our future. When we hold on to hurtful things (offenses), they will eventually have power over our lives.

The offense of the past should never be allowed to hurt the present! When they do, people start living life with a chip on their shoulder and with a victim mentality. Jesus said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” (Luke 17:1, 2) Jesus let us all know that no matter what, offenses are going to come at you in life. I have checked all through the Bible and I have not found one Scripture that states that carrying them is acceptable though.

Offended people are hurt people, and hurt people hurt people! Offense breeds bitterness and bitterness always brings a life controlled by the enemy. “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:15 ESV) The word “defiled” in the Greek means to be stained, contaminated, polluted in the heart; not a good place to be at all! Jesus also says it is a dangerous life to live if you are the one going around and causing offenses!

As a pastor, I have seen this play out in many churchgoers’ lives. They become offended, they hold onto the offense and become bitter, then through bitterness they start attacking that which is good.  Listen friend, overcome the offense or offenses (that will or have come) by walking a life of forgiveness—the true power walk! Release yourself from the offense by releasing those who have offended! Don’t use the offense as a badge of honor—God doesn’t! Get free and be free! Your freedom is available now; break the power of the offense. Set yourself free by releasing it. “…but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13, 14)

The Father want’s you free, I want you free and I am certain your “true” friends want you free! Let the past go, get rid of it and walk in your freedom. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Confess the bitterness and offenses that you have held in your heart to the Lord, and press forward in your life. It is time for you to be free, because you are just too valuable to be a slave of your past! I know you can do it-be free mighty one!