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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Trying to not take offense is like trying to not think about elephants. If someone says, "Don't think about elephants," we automatically think about them. If we focus on trying not to take offense,...
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Chelsea Miller
The main Scripture that comes to mind concerning offence is Ecclesiastes 10:4, where it says "yielding pacifieth great offences." It is our choice to get offended, but it is much wiser (and more peaceful for everyone involved) to not let things people say (or don't say) or do (or don't do) get to us. We need to understand that many times it is simply a skewed perception that brings that offence in our lives. It's not always the other person, but the way we perceived the situation. As a sensitive person, I can say that's the absolute truth. What we think, many times, may even be true, but is not the truth. And it's also important to note that, when offences come, it shows us where we're at in our walk with God (Mark 4:16-17). There are levels of growth, and God wants us to be firm in Him, not "tossed to and fro" (Ephesians 4:14), tormented by offences. Children get offended easily. We need to, as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:13, "quit you like men." We should not be so easily moved from our place of peace! And God even allows these offences to come to cause us to grow until we can get to that place of peace and remain there. And it only can come by giving ourselves to the Word of God. When you have a strong foundation in the Word, you will not be easily moved (Luke 6:48).
Valerie Isreal
First and foremost ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment when being pulled into offense which is a trap of the enemy to get you out of the will of God. Whatever is said or done by another to offend it's not the person it's the enemy using them to ensnare you. God's word says of all the commandments the greatest of these is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself so if you're doing the greatest of these there is no room for offense and the greatest of these is LOVE that's what the word says and I believe it. I would recommend a required reading for leadership in our church which blessed me so much in this area I hope you will read it The Bait of Saran/Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense by John Bevere
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