Thought this was a timely devotional I read this morning. I have been on both sides of this. Enjoy.
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In light of Jesus’ piercing words: “Blessed is he who is NOT offended in me.”
Have you been offended by someone recently? Is it over something minor or monumental?
Well, here are a few things to consider:
You are usually offended when you are thinking the worst about someone’s motives and thinking that they were wishing you ill. In other words, you are judging the intents of their heart. Something a believer ought never do. We have not so learned Jesus Christ. “Love hopes for the best” – it doesn’t think the worst about others nor does it judge the motives of another. Whenever we do this, we’re in the flesh. When a Christian is offended with another believer, it is likely they have merely misunderstood their fellow brother or sister in Christ and have read things into what they have said and did that aren’t there.
You have forgotten that everything that comes into your life has passed through God’s hands first, and He works all things together for your good.
You’re too sensitive. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your feelings. This is true for all of us. Remember: To follow Christ is to pick up your cross . . . daily. When we’re easily offended, there’s too much of us that’s alive.
The Lord is teaching you to live above offense. He’s trying to teach you love.
Consider the times you’ve offended others. Then pause and re-consider that thing that you’re so offended about. “In His light we shall see light.”
You serve a Lord who was tortured, beaten, and killed in the most gruesome way known to mankind. Has someone driven nails into your wrists and feet? In light of those questions, do you really have *a right* to be offended by someone?
I have no particular reason for writing this. I simply woke up with it on my heart. So I am believing it’s for someone reading it out there in cyberland. Hope you’re not offended by it (That’s a stab at irony, folks.)
_______________________________
In light of Jesus’ piercing words: “Blessed is he who is NOT offended in me.”
Have you been offended by someone recently? Is it over something minor or monumental?
Well, here are a few things to consider:
You are usually offended when you are thinking the worst about someone’s motives and thinking that they were wishing you ill. In other words, you are judging the intents of their heart. Something a believer ought never do. We have not so learned Jesus Christ. “Love hopes for the best” – it doesn’t think the worst about others nor does it judge the motives of another. Whenever we do this, we’re in the flesh. When a Christian is offended with another believer, it is likely they have merely misunderstood their fellow brother or sister in Christ and have read things into what they have said and did that aren’t there.
You have forgotten that everything that comes into your life has passed through God’s hands first, and He works all things together for your good.
You’re too sensitive. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your feelings. This is true for all of us. Remember: To follow Christ is to pick up your cross . . . daily. When we’re easily offended, there’s too much of us that’s alive.
The Lord is teaching you to live above offense. He’s trying to teach you love.
Consider the times you’ve offended others. Then pause and re-consider that thing that you’re so offended about. “In His light we shall see light.”
You serve a Lord who was tortured, beaten, and killed in the most gruesome way known to mankind. Has someone driven nails into your wrists and feet? In light of those questions, do you really have *a right* to be offended by someone?
I have no particular reason for writing this. I simply woke up with it on my heart. So I am believing it’s for someone reading it out there in cyberland. Hope you’re not offended by it (That’s a stab at irony, folks.)
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