Offense is a negative emotion that stems from being dishonored, disrespected, or mistreated. We feel offended because of what we think about the actions of others. Consequently, our thoughts are responsible for the negative feeling of offense. While we cannot always control people’s actions, we can learn how to control our response (mentally and emotionally) to their actions. Therefore, an essential key to living unoffendable is to master our thoughts.
One way to master our thoughts is to first pay attention to the thoughts that run through our minds when we feel a certain way, then bring thoughts that do not align with God’s Word into subjection.
I notice that whenever I feel offended, I spend time thinking negatively about the person who wronged me. Sometimes, I plan to retaliate or rehearse how I should have responded harshly. Also, I usually feel better than the other person, and I judge their actions through my carnal mind. All these thoughts reflect pride, unforgiveness, and self-righteousness.
Perhaps, this is how you handle offense as well. God wants us to think or respond differently. He has called us to a supernatural standard of thinking.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Did you notice that all these things we are instructed to think on perfectly describe God’s Word? It means we are supposed to think about what God’s Word says about people even when they offend us. If our thoughts towards those who offend us are not lovely or good, we must not allow those thoughts to linger.
We can take control of our thoughts by bringing them to the obedience of Christ. It means we must spiritually train our thoughts to operate in the supernatural.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV) says: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”
The Word of God and prayer are weapons of warfare we can use to master our thoughts.
God’s Word: As we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word, we are empowered to see people’s actions in light of God’s Word. Psalm 119:11 (KJV) says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Imagine that you filled your heart and mind with God’s Word on love, forgiveness, right thinking, etc. before someone offends you; you would most likely respond with grace and feel compassion for them. I was offended by a relative’s comment some time ago, but I observed that compassion arose in me as I meditated on God’s Word concerning salvation and restoration. Compassion made me pray for my relative, and I could no longer justify my right to feel offended.
It is difficult to fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word if we keep exposing ourselves to information that stirs up more offense or keep justifying our right to be offended. So, we must meditate on God’s Word and shut out secular news that appeals to our flesh.
Let’s Pray Philippians 4:8 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: In the name of Jesus, I think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. In the name of Jesus and by the blood of Jesus, I pull down every mental strongholds, cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God in my life, and I bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Thank you for reading.
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Great Wisdom Temi!!! Amen!!
Thank you for reflecting with me. ❤
you are welcome, I am blessed! 🙂