"do Not Be Offended."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

(Matthew 18:7) “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.”

(Matthew 11:6) “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

(Proverbs 19:11) “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

(Colossians 3:12-13) [12] “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

PROLOGUE

When the Lord impressed upon my heart the profound message, "Do Not Be Offended," I reflected deeply on the story of the prophet Balaam. Despite his prophetic gifts, he is a compelling figure who allowed greed to cloud his judgment and lead him astray.

In my mind's eye, I could vividly picture the Angel of the Lord standing resolutely in Balaam's path, a divine encounter that challenged his intentions. What struck me even more was the unique and powerful moment when God allowed Balaam's mule to speak back to him.

This was not a mere spectacle; it highlighted the extraordinary situation that arose when his stubbornness prevented him from seeing the truth right before him. Mules, known for their obstinate nature and stubbornness, are a striking metaphor in this message.

It's remarkable, and indeed somewhat disturbing, when the very creature often viewed as unyielding and stubborn can see and possess an insight that the human prophet lacks. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes, those we consider lesser can reveal profound truths we might overlook, urging us to listen and forbear before reacting.

"TRANSFORMING THE OFFENSE INTO UNDERSTANDING."

The "spirit of offense" is described as a negative influence, particularly in the New Testament, that makes people easily upset, resentful, and bitter. This spirit can cause division and disruption in relationships and communities, often stemming from a lack of humility, forgiveness, and love.

We are currently experiencing a period in which a small minority of individuals are actively trying to impose their lifestyle choices on the broader population. This group has gained significant influence over government institutions through financial contributions and strategic lobbying efforts.

Today, we are witnessing the enactment of laws that contradict traditional Christian values, particularly those regarding the sanctity of family life. This trend raises important questions about the balance between unhealthy lifestyles and the preservation of cherished moral principles that many hold dear.

Jesus addressed the inevitability of offenses, stating, "Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" This highlights the importance of both avoiding causing offense and not being easily offended.

Letting go of offense is an essential step toward embracing genuine forgiveness. This process begins with being completely honest with God about the offense we have experienced, recognizing that nothing is concealed from Him.

The Bible warns us that offense can serve as "enticement and entrapment," which the enemy uses to ensnare us in cycles of pain and resentment. Handing our offenses over to God is crucial; it allows us to release our burdens and find healing. Through this act of surrender, we can cultivate a spirit of grace and ultimately experience true freedom.

Forgiveness can be seen not just as an act toward another person but as a gift we give ourselves, a means of freeing our hearts and minds from the weight of unresolved pain. It is a vital step in the healing journey, releasing the deep-seated pain that people may harbor inside. When we choose to forgive, we let go of resentment and anger, recognizing that we no longer have to navigate this emotional struggle in isolation.

The relationship between offense and forgiveness is significant; when we forgive, we effectively cancel the debt we feel the other person owes us for the hurt they have inflicted. By breaking this cycle of resentment, we create space for healing, understanding, and, ultimately, personal growth.

When we take offense, it is because someone has hurt us or frightened us. God has given us two ways to deal with offense. First, we can remember that the other person also has things that hurt and upset them.

As followers of Christ, we have a deep-seated responsibility in our relationship with Him. When we love the offender and concentrate on their needs, our perception of the offense diminishes. This shift in focus enables us to understand the underlying reasons for their actions, fostering empathy instead of resentment.

In summary, let me say, “Balaam, you better get off that mule.” The mule symbolizes your stubbornness and pride. We can begin getting off the mule by acknowledging the hurt and its impact on our lives. By doing this, we are doing what the Bible refers to as forbearing, which means we take our hands off it and give God time to work on both ends. We can unshackle ourselves from its grip when we handle the offense this way.