ACE #101: When Christians Get Offended

Many years ago, my husband and I were invited to a get together at the home of some of our friends.  The tail end of the invitation ended with the individuals requesting that we do not bring alcohol to their home - even though they didn't think we would.

You guessed it...my husband and I were both a bit offended.  Here's why:
1. We have never taken alcohol/liquor to any event, especially not someone's home, not even as a gift.
2. We do not really drink alcohol - maybe a glass of wine once a year on a special occasion, but still not so much.
3.  If you didn't really think we would do such a thing, then why bother to even make the comment to us in the first place.

It took some time for us to reprogram our thought process in this matter of "offense".  The immediate question was, "Why would they think we would do that?"  We even examined what it was in our characters that made them think we would bring liquor to their home in front of their children.  It felt like a judgment of our characters...and our Christianity.

But here's what we realized very quickly - it's their home...so it's their rules - even if it offends others.  Jesus even instructs about offense:

Luke 17

Sin, Faith, Duty

17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. ² It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. ³ So watch yourselves.

“If your brother or sister^[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. ⁴ Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

John Bevere wrote "The Bait of Satan: Living Free From the Deadly Trap of Offense".  This book reminded me of how relationships take a turn for the worse because of the sins of offense and unforgiveness - even the times when we hold something against someone else and that person might never even know it.  Nowadays, social media and other forms of electronic communication can cause the greatest levels of offense because tone cannot be interpreted necessarily and people get a lot of courage in this venue.  "Offense" really is a deadly trap to keep the people of God at odds with one another and to confuse the message of Jesus Christ.

As each day passes, I realize it takes a certain level of personal and spiritual maturity to have difficult conversations about deep areas of hurt, but to also forgive those who have caused that hurt.  I firmly believe that some relationships/friendships can be saved through communication...and prayer.  If you're in a situation where there's been offense, pray first and seek God's direction on steps toward reconciliation.  After all, life is short and God calls us to love...and to forgive.  It's the best defense against offense.

The Bait of Satan:
http://agapehousecanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/The-Bait-of-Satan.pdf

Read this article:
http://www.walkingbyfaith.tv/journal/single-article/117/