FILED UNDER
POSTED ON
Have you ever gone to bed and woke up feeling terribly sick? A sniffle or scratchy throat had turned into a full-blown cold or flu overnight. When we fail to surrender offense quickly, our soul gets sick, too.
Two weeks ago, a person called me an ugly name. I took offense, but I didn’t say anything to her out of not wanting to cause conflict. I was in my feelings, but I realized quickly I didn’t want to feel so miserable. I prayed for God to help me forgive her as He had forgiven me.
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13
I released the offense to God and let it go. Proverbs 17:9 has more wisdom for handling offense, “Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.” The person who covers offense is the one who “seeks” love. Love is a foundational truth in Christianity. To overlook being offended and forgive leaves room for God’s vengeance. For He will repay, in due time (Romans 12:19).
Years ago, I would have held on to that offense. Stewed over it. Re-winded it over and over. Rehearsed my response to her although the moment had passed. This small blip in time would become a huge emotional snare. My soul would be overwhelmed with the sickness of offense.
When we allow our souls to get sick, it can throw our entire body-soul-spirit out of balance. The emotional offense will try to overshadow the Spirit and have you acting outside of where God wants you to be. Looking for ways to seek our own revenge, when it’s not even ours.
Let me encourage you to check your offenses. Release them to Jesus. Surrender it now. Only He has a balm for the sickness within your soul. The Lord will strengthen your Spirit and fill you with wisdom on navigating forward. We will no longer allow the actions and offenses of others to be our stumbling block!
Share this post
The Beatitudes 20 And He raised His eyes toward His disciples and began saying, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your
I have been lost a time or two. Usually, because I got distracted and wandered off the intended path. Whatever sparked my interest was enough to cause me to lose sight of my intended destination. In this passage, we find Jesus as a child, so focused on His Father’s business that he wanders off from his parents. In my own life, I’ve found that I’m not prone to wander towards my father’s business….but away from it.
As a child, nothing compared to the excitement of being able to sit up and waiting for New Year’s Day. We’d sit up as long as possible on December 31st awaiting the coming year. We knew what was coming, yet we had to watch the clock or we’d miss it. In this passage, Jesus reminds us of the signs before his second coming. He teaches that in order to recognize the second coming, we must stay alert. These verses prompt us to be mindful of the state of our hearts and to stay ready at all times for the coming day of God’s judgment.
REFLECTION – Do you find yourself growing weary in your walk with the Lord? How can you stay encouraged and ready for Jesus Christ’s second coming?
I know that most people are in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, but December always reminds me to slow down and reflect. It’s something about the cold weather that forces me to cozy up and sit still… I believe the stillness opens
If you or someone close to you is in need, we would be honored to lift you up in prayer. We believe in the power of prayer to bring peace, comfort, and reassurance during times of hardship. Our community is ready to join together and pray as we trust in God’s love and unending grace.
