The Offense Trap
Many people today are struggling through life as they try to carry excess baggage in the form of past hurts and grudges. Others have allowed their personalities to feed and thrive on controversies and scandal. People do not realize the emotional fatigue and stress they are bringing on themselves when they stay offended at somebody.
To remain defeated in life all you have to do is live in offense. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 says, “To whom you FORGIVE any thing, I FORGIVE also; for if I FORGAVE anything…I FORGAVE it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an ADVANTAGE over us for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Did you notice who Satan gets the advantage over? It wasn’t the person who committed the offense; it was the one that refuses to forgive. The person who dwells on offense will live under the pressure and restlessness that demonic forces provide. Grudges and offenses will plague your mind and wear you out emotionally and physically. If you are constantly worn out, check up on your offenses.
Notice that these verses are written to a group of people who were given an opportunity to forgive. But look at what the author of the verse said: He said that he forgave this individual IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST. What does that mean? That means that under his own strength he could not walk in forgiveness. The only possibility of forgiving this offense was in the recognition of Christ. Sometimes that will be the case in our lives. Offenses can seem so huge that it will take a recollection of what Christ suffered to forgive us so we can forgive others. It may take a supernatural example of mercy to motivate us.
In Luke 17:1, Jesus says, “…It is impossible but that offenses will come…” Jesus was telling us that it is impossible to live in this world without somebody offending us in the flesh. The word “offenses” in this verse is a very interesting word. The original Greek word from which this word was translated means “trap” or “snare.” Offense will trap you into a world of defeat. Proverbs 18:19 says, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a fortress and their arguments are like the bars of a castle.” This verse paints the picture of the offended person: They are held captive in the bowels of a fortress; behind bars and a prisoner not easily rescued. Think about how a prisoner lives. They are not well fed or well clothed. Their surroundings always seem drab and hopeless. They are constantly without someone to help them. Do not underestimate how your offense affects your finances, relationships, and peace of mind.
Spiritually speaking, our attitudes affect every area in life. Don’t allow offense to hold you prisoner in a place where you cannot be helped. If life seems like a struggle, see if you are offended. If so then forgive that person. Be a blessing to them and live free.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
