Hebrew 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Offense is an emotional response—often anger or resentment—triggered by perceived disrespect, rudeness, or a violation of one’s values or expectation. Offense invites the monkey of resentment to have a free ride on our back. Offense is a very heavy and annoying monkey! It drains our enthusiasm, self-esteem and stirs up animosity and hatred. Those who carry offense in their heart will be embittered, enraged and envious which will lead to loss of relationships and purpose.
During one of the darkest times of the life of David, his chief advisor and friend, Ahithophel, betrayed him and became a turncoat. He jumped boats and joined Absalom, David’s son, who attempted to depose his father and usurp the throne. Bible scholars believe that Ahithophel was the father of Eliam (2 Samuel 23:34), and Eliam was the father of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3), the wife of Uriah whom David took. Many scholars are of the opinion that Ahithophel’s betrayal was the reaction of the deep-seeded animosity and bitterness that he held against David for taking his granddaughter and murdering his grand son-in-law Uriah. When he had an opportunity to take revenge, he gave Absalom the most abhorrible advice to overthrow the kingdom of David and to divide the father and son beyond any possibility of reconciliation. And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father.” (2 Samuel 16:21). Offence turned the chief counsellor into a crude criminal.
The monkey of offence can embitter a person with resentment, rage and revenge. Life will throw thorns at us but a resolute decision that “nothing and no one will offend us” will keep us safe in the grace of God.
The Monkey of Offence:
- Resentment: Unresolved anger turns into resentment.
- Rage: Rage is only a reaction of accumulated resentment.
- Revenge: Vengeance belongs to the Lord; forgiveness is our calling.
“Don’t give room to the monkey of offence.”
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, give me the grace to be slow to be irritated and judge but quick to forgive. Amen.
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