The Joy of the Journey: Offended

The Joy of the Journey

Offended

We live in a world where it seems like having thick skin is a rare thing. People use the phrase “offence” very easily. They do this all through our society. However, there’s an actual difference between being offended and what it means to be offended biblically. In this week’s article, we’re going to take a closer look at understanding the offense biblically.

Let’s face it, in our lives, we encounter situations that can easily lead to feelings of offense. Someone might make a thoughtless comment, a friend may cancel plans at the last minute, or a coworker might overlook our contributions. In these moments, we can easily feel hurt or offended. However, the concept of offense in the biblical context carries a deeper meaning and calls for a different response.

Offense generally means feeling hurt or angry because of something someone said or did that seemed disrespectful or inconsiderate. In a world that often prioritizes personal feelings and reactions, it is common for individuals to dwell on offenses, leading to bitterness and even division. Proverbs 18:19 states, “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” This verse shows how taking offense can hurt relationships, creating barriers between people that make it difficult to repair the connection.

In contrast, the Bible introduces a concept of offense that directs our attention beyond ourselves and calls us to a higher standard. In Matthew 18:7, Jesus says, “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” Here, Jesus acknowledges that offenses and temptations will arise, but He emphasizes the importance of navigating them with wisdom, rather than allowing them to dictate our responses.

Dealing with offense Biblically is often tied to the notion of forgiveness. When we face potential offense, Scripture instructs us to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to “bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” This passage does not dismiss the reality of offense; rather, it challenges us to respond in a way that reflects the forgiveness we have received from Christ.

The parable of the unmerciful servant found in Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates this principle more directly. In this story, a servant who has been forgiven an enormous debt refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him by another. Jesus uses this parable to teach that our capacity to forgive is directly tied to our understanding of the forgiveness we have received. When we grasp the magnitude of God’s grace in our lives, our perspective toward those who offend us should shift dramatically.

Choosing to respond to offense biblically means embracing a posture of humility, empathy, and reconciliation. James 1:19 directs us, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” This verse reminds us of the importance of pausing before reacting. When someone offends us, our first instinct might be anger or retaliation. However, the biblical response invites us to listen, reflect, and seek understanding.  This can be truly difficult to do, but it can keep us from falling into a deeper pit to climb out of later.

Furthermore, in Philippians 2:3-4, we are instructed, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” This call to humility requires us to consider the viewpoints and feelings of others, helping to dissolve the barriers that offense can create.

While offense is a normal part of life, dealing with offense biblically invites us to rise above our hurt feelings. By choosing to forgive, listen, and prioritize the well-being of others, we can foster an environment of grace and unity. The next time we feel offended, let us reflect on the words of Ephesians 4:32, which instructs us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” In doing so, we not only reflect the heart of Christ but also promote healing and reconciliation in our relationships.