Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. - Proverbs 4:23 (AMPC)
Part 47 of 47
Refuse to Be Offended
Scripture
Every day we are presented with multiple opportunities to be hurt or offended. It can be as minor as someone cutting us off in traffic or stealing our parking spot. Other times we can feel deeply hurt by a friend’s rude or harsh comment.
What many people don’t know is that offense is one of Satan’s greatest tools to steal our peace and rob us of God’s blessings. It is the bait the enemy uses to trap us. He will use people’s words and actions to get our minds churning and stir up our emotions. He uses this bait to lure us into a lifetime of bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, strife, hatred, and revenge.
We can refuse to be offended because God gives us self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This means we can control ourselves with God’s help and take responsibility for how we respond to life’s situations. The Lord wants to help us keep our hearts clean from things like bitterness, anger and unforgiveness because He knows these things can poison every single area of our lives.
Avoiding the Trap of Offense
Joyce shares encouragement about how to avoid taking the enemy’s bait.
Tip
“Opportunities to be offended will never go away, but we can grow wise to the enemy's tactics and learn how to respond in a godly way.”
— Joyce Meyer
Study Suggestion
This week, when you are faced with a situation that could potentially leave you offended, to a moment to pray. Ask God to help you control your emotions and choose not to be offended.
