Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,”
Offence is a very strong emotion of resentment brought about by a perceived insult, disrespect or disregard to a person’s honour, ideological beliefs or public image. Unhealed offence will build into a stronghold of bitterness and rage. It is an instinctive reaction to the threat of their self-image and self-esteem normally rooted in insecurity and hypersensitivity. If offence is not dealt with and corrected, it can mar the character and the conduct of a person and completely destroy their future and vision.
We see the sharp sting of offence in King Saul when the women sang the refrain, praising David. And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8). David the shepherd boy would have been younger than Saul’s sons; Saul must have been about 57 years when David was about 17 years during this incident. Yet, Saul could not see the next generation excelling and advancing. Saul lived the rest of his life full of rage and offense.
Offense is a stronghold that will destroy the relationship of a person with God and people. Carrying offence will shut the door of heaven. Prayers from an offended heart will not be heard.
Guard Your Heart from Offense:
1. Deaf: God will turn a deaf ear to the prayers of those who hoard offence in their heart. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:8). The offended will neither hear from God nor will be heard by God.
2. Dark: God did not answer Saul’s prayers which left him directionless in the dark. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets (1 Samuel 28:6).
3. Death: Offense will destroy the spiritual vision and blind the spiritual eyes. Offence results in spiritual death.
Offense turns the heart cold towards people, and callous towards God.
Carrying offence is like carrying live coal in our lap – it is destructive spiritually, emotionally and relationally.
Prayer: Compassionate Jesus, help me to be quick to forgive and let go of offence before it sinks from my head to my heart. Amen.
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