The Dangers of Becoming Offended

In today’s world, offense has become a quick reaction, a natural reflex when someone says or does something we don’t like. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. The Word of God warns us that offense is not just an emotional reaction, it is a trap of the enemy.

“It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” – Luke 17:1 (NKJV)

Offense will come. That’s a guarantee. But how we respond determines whether we walk in freedom or stay bound in bitterness.

Offense Is a Prison

When we allow offense to settle in our hearts, it becomes like a chain around our spirit. We replay the words. We rehearse the hurt. We allow it to color how we see people, even how we see God. Slowly, it robs us of joy, peace, and clarity. Proverbs 18:19 reminds us, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.” Offense builds walls where God has called us to build bridges.

Offense Blocks Our Blessings

Unforgiveness and offense shut the door to the very blessings God wants to pour out. Jesus told us plainly: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25 (NIV). If we hold on to offense, our prayers are hindered. Our faith loses its power. Our spiritual growth stalls.

Offense Distorts the Mission

The church is not just a gathering place, it is the body of Christ. When we take offense with one another, we stop seeing our brothers and sisters as family and start seeing them as enemies. This division weakens our witness to the world. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” If love is replaced with bitterness, the mission is compromised.

Choosing Forgiveness Over Offense

Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice. Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean what happened was right; it means we refuse to let it poison our spirit. It means we trust God to be the righteous Judge. It means we put love above pride, healing above anger, and reconciliation above separation.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Jonahville, Let’s Rise Above

As a church family, Jonahville must stand as a testimony that offense has no place among us. When we refuse to take the bait of offense, we disarm the enemy and keep unity strong. When we choose forgiveness, we free ourselves to walk boldly into God’s blessings.

So, let’s guard our hearts. Let’s extend grace. Let’s love one another as Christ loves us.