How To Deal With Offense?

Pride is the root of all sin

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus addressed the church of Laodicea by first telling them how they saw themselves as rich, wealthy, and having need of nothing. But thereafter, he went on to expose their true condition - “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” - (Rev. 3:14–20).

Pride had hidden their true condition from themselves. Unfortunately many of us are this way. We fail to see the true condition of our hearts, because we are blinded by pride. We try to convince ourselves that we are not hurt and offended. We deceive ourselves! Jesus told the Laodiceans how to get rid of their deception and caused them to see their true condition.

“THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR THE ENEMY TO BLIND US, IS TO CAUSE US TO FOCUS ON OURSELVES.”

The first step to healing and freedom is to recognize that you are hurt. Often pride does not want us to recognize and admit that we are wounded. Jesus said our ability to see correctly is an important key to being free from deception. Often when we are offended, we see ourselves as victims and blame those who have hurt us. We make excuses for our bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, envy and resentment as it gets exposed.

“THE SIN OF TAKING OFFENSE IS GREATER THAN THE SIN DONE AGAINST YOU.”

When we blame others and defend ourselves, it shows that we are blind. We attempt to remove the speck out of our brother’s eye while there is still a log in ours. You can make a decision today to be set free from offence. Take a second and look inside your heart. Honestly assess yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of offense, bitterness or unforgiveness.

Don’t let pride keep you from seeing, acknowledging and repenting.