Every day, we encounter countless opportunities to feel offended. Whether it’s someone cutting us off in traffic or a friend’s thoughtless comment, the chances to get upset seem endless. However, many people don’t realize that offense is one of Satan’s greatest tools to steal our peace and rob us of God’s blessings.
The Nature of Offense
The word “offense” derives from the Greek term scandalon, which refers to a trap designed to hold bait for luring animals. In a similar way, offense serves as bait that the enemy uses to ensnare us. Through the words and actions of others, he seeks to stir our emotions and provoke negative thoughts. This trap can lead us into a cycle of bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, strife, hatred, and revenge.
As I often say, Satan sets us up to get upset. He knows our weaknesses and precisely what buttons to push to drive us over the edge. But here’s the good news: we are smarter than our enemy because we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). We can stand firm in the truth of God’s Word and choose not to take the bait.
The Choice of Offense
When someone tries to offend you, it’s your decision whether to accept it. You might be thinking, “Christi, it’s hard not to take offense sometimes!” I completely understand. However, we can refuse to be offended because God gives us self-control—a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This means we have the power to manage our responses to life’s challenges.
It’s easy to deflect responsibility onto others, thinking, “If you hadn’t upset me, I wouldn’t feel this way,” or “If only you did this, I would be happy.” However, we will never find true freedom from our problems while blaming others. While it’s true that people can wrong us, we cannot control their actions, but we can control how we respond.
The Power of Love and Forgiveness
1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us that love “is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (NIV). Love is a choice. We can choose to forgive and let go of offenses, or we can cling to our hurt and allow it to fester.
Consider this: an offense can start as something minor, like a paper cut. If we neglect it, however, it can fester and become painful. I’ve learned from experience that it’s better to address small problems before they escalate. The quicker we can forgive, the easier it becomes to maintain our peace. Sometimes, that means being the first to apologize and seek reconciliation, even if we feel wronged.
Over time, we realize that holding onto offense doesn’t change others or solve our issues—it only breeds bitterness and anger. As I often say, staying mad at someone who has hurt you is like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die. The only one who suffers is you.
Pursuing Peace
Psalm 34:14 instructs us to “seek peace and pursue it” (NIV). Throughout my journey, often the hard way, I’ve learned just how precious God’s supernatural peace is. I refuse to live without it! It far outweighs the toxic consequences of harboring unforgiveness.
While opportunities to be offended will always exist, we can become wise to the enemy’s tactics and learn to respond in a godly manner. So, the next time you’re tempted to take offense, remember: don’t take the bait!
Your Choice Matters
You have a choice. You can choose anger and bitterness, or you can decide to forgive, believe the best in others, and embrace God’s supernatural peace. The path you choose can lead to a life filled with joy, love, and divine blessings. The power to overcome offense is within you—use it wisely!