A friend told me, “I’m leaving the church.” As I listened to his excuses I was reminded of a story about a grandfather who fell asleep in his favorite chair. While sleeping, his grandchildren snuck in and put some Limburger cheese in his mustache. When the grandfather woke from his nap he exclaimed, “This room stinks!” He promptly got up and went into the kitchen. As he walked into the kitchen he proclaimed, “This room stinks too!” He then walked into the dining room and to his surprise “This room stinks also!” Disgusted with his house he walked outside. As he stood on his porch taking in a deep breath he shouted “My goodness! The whole world stinks!”
It is safe to say we will be presented with the opportunity to get offended. When we get offended it is easy to blame others and make excuses. Often I hear the words “I am not the only one that feels this way!” or “I know it’s not me so it has to be you!” To someone that is offended a simple “How are you?” is interpreted that you are trying to meddle in their business. Or a simple head nod instead of a verbal “Hi” is viewed as a “You don’t care about me” or “Pastor is stuck up.” The truth is that when you are offended everything is a sign. However the reality is that the stink is on you.
Some thoughts…
1) You are responsible for your offense. Go to the person and work though it. If you are offended it’s your job to go to them, not the other way around. The word says that if a brother sins against you, you go to them.
2) God said to be meek, humble, merciful, loving and forgiving. Not mad, offended and bitter
3) We are known by our fruit, if the fruit you bear is the fruit of offense, tend to it quickly or it will destroy you
10 Signs you’re offended
1) You think stupid thoughts.
2) You think and stew on it longer than a day.
3) It keeps you up at night and invades your thoughts.
4) You talk about it to others.
5) You’re defensive about it.
6) You’re not teachable.
7) You’re angry about it all the time.
8) You murmur and complain.
9) You’re self-righteous.
10) Your personal life is a wreck.
Offense is Satan’s tactic to isolate you from God. More people have missed the blessings of God and the will of God because they let a seed of bitterness flower into offense and keep them from walking in forgiveness. The word is clear on how God feels when we don’t forgive our brother.
