I like to think of myself as a person who generally isn't easy to offend. Lately, though, I've found myself getting more and more offended than ever before! In the times we're living in, everyone is on edge. And if you're like me, maybe you've been getting more offended than ever before too.
When I think about what's happening in the world, there's more division than ever! You can feel anger and animosity in the atmosphere. If there's anything the enemy would love right now is for believers to turn on one another because of hurt or offense. The enemy may be working hard to create division in our relationships, but if we can learn to overcome the spirit of offense, we can forge stronger, healthier relationships in all areas of our lives.
So what exactly is offense? Offense is anger, resentment, irritation, exasperation, annoyance, animosity...Need I say more? A spirit of offense is feeling resentment because of an actual or perceived insult. Sometimes offense is caused by an actual insult and other times it is caused by an unintended slight that we misinterpret. Regardless of the intent, we still have to deal with our hurt feelings. Offense left unchecked will consume our thought-life and affect our ability to walk out our God-given potential.
Offense steals all unity. While offense is bound to happen, God calls us, at all costs to live in unity with one another.
Have you been dealing with a spirit of offense? I wasn't even aware this was a "thing" until about 6 months ago when I just couldn't figure out why I was so angry all of the time. Turns out, I was harboring a spirit of offense. It wasn't a quick fix for me. I am still not "healed", but I am definitely working on it.
Much Love,
Beth
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