James 3:16 “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.”
“The spirit of offense”
The spirit of offense is in operation when someone feels wronged and/or disrespected, and harbors unforgiveness, animosity and resentment in their heart. Offense is fueled by envy and ego which is lethal, demonic and noxious. It destroys homes, marriages and relationships.
Cain killed his brother Abel when the vicious spirit of offense took hold of him, filling his heart with envy and animosity. He was envious as his brother’s offering was accepted and his ego burned with rage when the Lord rebuked him. The spirit of offense turned him into the first coldblooded murderer on earth. In the same way, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 men who rebelled against Moses—the anointed and God-appointed leader of Israel—were driven by arrogance and jealousy. The earth opened and swallowed these rebellious men. Another good example of this diabolical combo (envy&ego) was Michal, the wife of David, and the daughter of Saul, who despised her husband David, the king of Israel, who danced before the Ark of the Lord. She was puffed with pride about her royal inheritance as she was the King’s daughter. The fatal force of offense rendered her childless.
Beware of envy and egotism that breeds offense.
The spirit of offence:
- Family Prayer: Family prayer protects spouses and their homes from the invasion of this sadistic and narcissistic spirit. Don’t carry offense to the bed.
- Forgiveness: Be quick to forgive, not because the offender deserves forgiveness but because forgiveness is the shield that protects your soul from the bitterness and the venomous spirit of offense. Quickness to forgive will break down pride and arrogance that stems from royalty, wealth, education, caste, colour or creed. Forgiveness is the antidote to the toxicity of the spirit of offense.
- Forbearance: Patience is the ability to endure hardship while forbearance is the ability to restrain from retaliating and recollecting past offenses. The spirit of offense will remind you about all the past mistakes of your spouse or sibling when an issue arises. Forbearance destroys the venom of offense.
“Spirit of offense is triggered by envy and egotism”.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, I make a resolute decision not to be offended by anyone or by anything. I put on the clothing of humility. Amen.
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