Offense: Lessons from Paul’s Life

The actions of loved ones, church folks, and unbelievers can leave us feeling offended. When offense lingers long enough, it leads to unforgiveness, bitterness, and a legion of negative emotions and sin. These things are unhealthy for our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. Most notably, they hinder our prayers. Mark 11:25 (KJV) says, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Consequently, it is important to live unoffendable or avoid taking offense.

Paul’s life is a perfect example for us to examine as we become unoffendable.

Consider Paul’s experience:

As a new convert, fellow Christians did not embrace Paul with the brotherly love he should have received from church folks (Acts 9:26). Paul had every reason to be offended by their distrust, but he persevered because his eyes were fixed on the one who saved him from destruction.

In 2 Corinthians 11:26 and Galatians 2:4, Paul mentions having unpleasant experiences with fake Christians and unbelievers. He dealt with church hurt, but he did not let the actions of other Christians define his perception of the God who saved him from his evil ways (Acts 9:1).

Paul lived to fulfill the great commission, yet he faced many adversities (2 Corinthians 11:26-33). Paul could have taken offense that God allowed him to face trials and tribulations, but he did not take offense. In fact, he called all the church hurt and dangerous situations “light afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

In all these instances, we see that Paul valued his salvation more than anything. He valued God’s love so much his earthly challenges were inconsequential to him. Paul was the one who confidently proclaimed: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Romans 8:35-36 (KJV)

Anytime we are tempted to walk away from the faith because we have been mistreated or disrespected, let’s remember Paul’s life and the price Jesus paid for our salvation. May the love of God consume our hearts in the name of Jesus.

Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.

Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen

Welcome to God’s family!