"Spirit of Offense" (How do you react?)

Hey y'all! Today, I want to address a topic we discussed in Bible Study a few weeks ago but that I also found myself experiencing. The topic was the "spirit of offense". We have all fallen into the deadly trap of offense; not one is exempt. Either we have offended or someone has offended us. Whatever the offense was or who committed it, how did you react to it? The enemy wants you to wallow in the offense because he knows it can kill. We all know that is his mission for our lives. But Jesus warns us about this in Luke 17.

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (Luke 17:1-4 NKJV)

 I recently found myself in this position because I was not invited to a birthday celebration of someone I thought was more like family than friends. When I saw pictures from the celebration I immediately got on the offense. Because neither I was told nor invited by anyone else there that I knew. I even picked up the phone to call the individual to say happy birthday but mainly to give them a piece of my mind. When there was no answer, the Holy Spirit said you were not supposed to have been there anyway. So, get over it! I then thought, well that was the truth. You see I believe everything happens for a reason. If my presence was desired, I would have gotten an invitation. It doesn't mean that I'm not loved or liked. I decided that I wasn't going to give in to the enemy and let the thought of offense take up any space in my mind or my spirit. I moved on from it.

I want to save you some grief and from the spirit of offense. If a situation arises, think on the word of God that says "Great peace have those who love Your law [Word], and nothing causes them to stumble." (Psalm 119:165NKJV) Don't allow yourself to stumble into the spirit of offense. Instead, find peace when you show others the same love God shows you. When you forgive those who offend you, you can walk in God's peace that surpasses all understanding.

Forgiveness Is For You!

Good day everyone! Let me start off by saying "forgiveness is for you" and not for the other person or persons. This message is for you, who has not forgiven your Ex, your old boyfriend, former best-friend, mama, daddy, sister, brother or cousin. You get the picture. Holding on to the hurt and pain of what someone did to you, only gives them the power to control how you feel and how you react. You find yourself constantly thinking about what they did or said that hurt you. Whatever happen yesterday, last month, last year, five years ago or even 20 years ago; yeah, some of y'all still talking about hurt from 20 years ago, should not take up space in your heart. As long as you hold on to the pain and memory, you magnify that person's presence in your life even if they are not around. Let it go and forgive them. The Bible tells us in several places that we should forgive others. Mark 11:25 says "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.". You will also find in Colossians 3:13 that you should "make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you MUST forgive others." I capitalized that word myself because of its significance. 

Simply put, forgiveness is a command from God. Yes, I could list more scriptures on why you should forgive but I'll let you do some digging on your own. However, I will suggest that you release that person or persons for their wrong doing. Take back your power! Don't give it another thought because it's not worth it. Let by gone be by gone! And remember, forgiveness is for you, not for them! Now go have yourself an amazing new day and week! I love you all!

One Love,

Valerie

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