by David Scott Robertson
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” (Prov 18:19 NIV)
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psa 119:165 KJV)
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Col 3:3 NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isa 26:3 NIV)
If you are a Christian,
You have no RIGHT to be offended.
If you are offended at someone as you read this…
Then you have satisfactorily met one of the three conditions
Listed in the above mentioned scriptures:
1. You do not love the law of the Lord (Psalm 119:165).
2. You are not keeping your mind on God (Isaiah 26:3).
3. Your fleshly, carnal nature is not dead yet (Colossians 3:3).
YOU are the guilty party if you are offended!
YOU are the one who is guilty of violating the scriptures!
And this to your own hurt!
Make it right now!
(Eph 4:26 NIV) "In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(Eph 4:27 NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.”
(James 1:20 NIV) for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
(Mat 5:23 NIV) "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
(Mat 5:24 NIV) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
God’s Word is explicit.
His counsel is always right and He is never wrong.
(Rom 3:4 NIV) “…Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
God has provided in His Word more than three methods to steer clear of offense.
However, if we just practice the three mentioned here
All will go well with us.
Instead of offense, we can reap:
Great and perfect peace (Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3)
And hidden-ness in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
Which would you prefer?
(Mat 18:7 NIV) "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!”
DSR
8/20/01