The Spirit Of Offense In The End Times Series

THE SPIRIT OF OFFENSE IN THE END TIMES

Pastor Joel Bernardino – November 9, 2025

We live in an age where people are easily offended.

• People are easily offended by one wrong word or one post online.

• Families are divided, churches are split, and relationships are broken.

• Jesus said this would happen — that in the last days, many will be offended.

Matthew 24:10-12,

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”

In the End Times, offense has become normal, and sensitivity has replaced humility.

Today, it takes very little to upset people.

• A single word, someone feels insulted, rejected, or attacked.

• A tone of voice, a missed greeting, a comment on social media — and hearts are wounded.

People no longer listen to understand. They listen and observe to react.

• “Did you see how she looked at me?”

• “He didn’t click like on my post!”

• “The pastor didn’t remember my name.”

In previous generations, people would talk things out.

• Now, they walk out.

• They unfriend, unfollow, block, and cancel.

• This is not just a social issue — it’s a spiritual issue.

• The spirit of offense has made people fragile, suspicious, and easily provoked.

Offense is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons to weaken the Church and destroy relationships.

If we don’t deal with offense, it grows into bitterness, betrayal, and hatred.

1. Offense isn’t just an emotion – it’s a trap set by the enemy.

The spirit of offense is a sign of the End Times.

• Jesus placed offense alongside betrayal, deception, and cold love — signs of a decaying world.

• The devil uses offense to divide believers, distract them from their calling, and destroy unity in the Body of Christ.

Illus: Satan doesn’t need to persecute the Church if he can get us to fight each other.

Offense works as a trap!

The enemy sets the trap of offense — through words, actions, misunderstandings — and once you take the bait, you become trapped in bitterness.

Many Christians are still in church, but their hearts are trapped.

They sing, but they no longer feel joy.

They serve, but they carry silent wounds.

They pray, but the heavens feel closed — because offense blocks the flow of God’s love.

Note: When offense increases, love decreases.

We cannot hold both offense and love in the same heart.

2. Offense can lead to betrayal and hatred.

Matthew 24:10, “They will betray one another and hate one another.”

Offense opens the door to betrayal and hatred.

• A small hurt, if left unchecked, grows into a stronghold.

• Offense doesn’t stay small.

• If we don’t deal with it, it grows.

When offense is not healed, it becomes BITTERNESS, and bitterness produces BETRAYAL.

• First, we get hurt – offense.

• Then we withdraw – bitter.

• Then we talk – betrayal.

• Then we resent – hatred.

• And finally, we betray – you don’t care anymore.

Offense is like cancer — it starts quietly but spreads quickly.

• Judas didn’t betray Jesus overnight — offense grew in his heart long before.

• Absalom was offended at his father David. His hurt turned to hatred — and eventually, rebellion. (2 Samuel 15)

Note: Unresolved offense will always lead you further than you want to go.

That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24,

“If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift and be reconciled first.”

God values reconciliation more than religious activity.

We can’t worship freely when we’re holding bitterness inside.

3. When we are offended, our love for God and others decreases.

Matthew 24:12, “The love of many will grow cold.”

Satan knows that offense breaks unity.

• Jesus said in Mark chapter 3:25, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

• When offense enters a home, a friendship, or a church, division follows.

When offense fills the heart, love begins to die.

• You can’t love deeply while holding grudges.

• You can’t forgive and stay offended at the same time.

• Offense cools down your passion for God, your compassion for people, and your commitment to serve.

Offended hearts can’t worship freely.

• People stop praying, stop serving, and isolate themselves because of offense.

• The fire of the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in a heart filled with unforgiveness.

Illus: A coal removed from the fire will quickly grow cold.

Likewise, when a believer separates because of offense, his spiritual warmth fades.

Note: You cannot keep your love for God burning if you keep your heart closed toward people.