Have you been feeling offended lately? I have. Every time I see individuals or groups advocate for policies that are detrimental to the lives of children and the family unit, I have found myself feeling irritated with strong negative emotions towards those people. I found relief after speaking out about my struggle and I allowed God to free me from the spirit of offense. It is important to have someone or people who can plainly tell us the truth without sugarcoating it.
Offense began to lose its grip on me once I saw it as a distraction and remembered Ephesians 6:12~ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
We are not fighting against people, we are wrestling against the spirits behind destructive ideologies and agendas. This is one reason it is difficult to win some arguments in the physical realm. Sometimes arguments can be won through intellectual conversation, but it is always easier and more victorious to win arguments in the place of prayer.
This season, I am learning to guard my heart against offense by not seeing people as the enemy and understanding who the real enemy is. I am also learning to take arguments before God.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ~ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
When we allow offense to linger, it can manifest in form of bitterness and hate. God does not want us to live in offense. Therefore, we must not tolerate offense. Like little children, we must learn to easily let go of offense.
Acts 24:15-16~ I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Have you been feeling offended lately?
How do you overcome the spirit of offense?
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Very wise post, Temi.
Yes, definitely there is a spirit of offense, and it is rampant today.
As you say, God does not want us to live in this spirit of offense, as it steals our peace, and our joy.
Thanks for again reminding us that the real battle is taking place in the spiritual realm.
There is also a connection between feeling offended, and having one’s pride hurt. (We know how God feels about the proud, and the humble).
Yes, as you say, may God grant us the grace to let go of offense easily.
Thank-you for the virtual hug. 😁
Yes, pride and offense are connected. Thank you for pointing it out. I should reflect on this connection.
Thank you grandma Sally! ❤
I Look forward to hugging you in person.🙏
Yes papa!❤ That’s how we win.
This is so important! I work hard to be unoffendable. It’s a continual turning of everything over to God and also learning to battle in the spiritual realm rather than the earthly realm. When I feel offense rising up in me, I pray haaaard. I can recognize the yucky feelings almost immediately now. And I now realize it’s a battle that I need to engage in until it releases. We are called to advocate and to speak truth, but all while being mindful that we are battling against demonic forces and not people. Thank you Temi! This is a much needed message!
I like that you described what it feels like- it rises up. We must speak the truth because some people want to know the truth. Thank you for reflecting with me❤
Very wise counsel!
Thank you! It is a season of growth.
What a great scripture for today’s time. It is actually really hard not to take offense! I talk about these concepts all of the time, but recently I had a conversation with my mom about politics that made me cry (later). In the moment, I just had to hold my tongue and remind myself to stay safe and also that I know she is a good and wonderful person. I think knowing the individuals we engage with helps tremendously.
Thank you for the reflective comment, Jenny. Yes, a personal relationship with those who have ideologies that differ from ours can be helpful. One may not have hateful feelings towards them, yet i have noticed that it hurts a lot more. I don’t understand why this happens to me.
That’s a good point. It isn’t easy ❤️🙏🏼
Great post, as Christians it will serve us well to remember that our battle isn’t against each other. People are not the enemy, even though they may allow themselves to be used by Satan.
Thank you for reflecting with me. It is sad that we often forget who the real enemy is.
Amen to that
Taking offense to the Lord in prayer definitely helps. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
It brings great relief like letting go of a burden. Thank you.
You are so right. We cannot afford to allow offense to poison our mind. We have pray about the situation and allow God to judge and vindicate. Great post.
Thank you! Yes, God is the only one who can bring true and lasting justice .
Amen!