This is Joy Ebeledike. I am pleased to connect with you on my journal and I pray that
my conversation today will enrich your soul and align it with the word of God.
We started a very important series last Episode on rising above offenses. We saw in the
last Episode that whether we are prone to taking offense is a function of the condition of
our hearts. And that the condition of our hearts is determined by how much of the word
of God we have hidden in our hearts. The word of God heals and calms our emotions;
and conditions us to disregard utterances and actions that contradict the word of God
about who we are in Christ.
Today we are going to delve more deeply into the dangers of taking offense and how
the offense we take today could affect our lives in the future.
Like we saw in the last Episode taking offense affects our spiritual life because you can’t
really enjoy fellowship with God when your heart is agitated and offended.
Again it’s difficult to receive from God when we are offended. 1 John 3:21 states-Dear
friends, if our hearts do not condemn us we have confidence in God, and receive from
Him anything we ask. We can only receive confidently from God when our hearts do not
condemn us. So conversely, when our hearts condemn us, we can’t freely fellowship or
receive anything from God.
Let’s look at some Bible characters to see how taking offense could impact negatively
on our lives.
In Mark Chapter 6, when Jesus went to His hometown Nazareth to preach, the people
rejected Him. When they heard Him teach, they exclaimed-What wisdom is this which is
given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the
Carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon? And are
not His sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him. Vs 3
They were offended because the son of a common carpenter was performing miracles!
The consequences of the citizens of Nazareth taking offense at Jesus are sad: Mark 6:5
says-“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people
and heal them”
This verse doesn’t say that Jesus “would not do any miracles there,” it says he “could
not do any miracles there.” A limitation was placed on Jesus’ fruitful ministry because
the people were offended. Jesus was willing to heal them. But their offended hearts
could not receive the healing.
This is serious. Resentment inhibits us from receiving from God. So you could miss a
special touch or blessing from God, you could miss your healing; you could be missing
your breakthroughs and favours, you could be in bondage right now as a result of an
offended attitude that is limiting the free flow of God’s anointing in your life. I have

actually seen people missing their blessings and favour from the Lord because they are
clutching on to offenses. Some have come to realize it and been set free by the Spirit of
God. But some refuse to let go! If you are holding onto any offenses, they are limiting
you. You need to let go for your own sake.
In 1 Samuel Chapter 18, we read about the story of Saul and David. Saul loved David
so much because of David’s relationship with Jonathan his son. Verse 2 records that
Saul took David and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore.
However, when David went out to war and on his return the women of the city sang and
danced to the lyrics- Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands, Saul
got offended. This momentary displeasure at David which Saul continued to hold on to
eventually caused Saul his family. It caused him his Kingdom and it eventually caused
him his life. Offense can destroy God’s plans and purposes for our lives..
In 2 Samuel 6, we read that when David brought the ark of the Lord from the house of
Obed-Edom into the City of David, he danced before the Lord with all of his might. And
as the ark of the Lord came into the City, Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife
looked through a window and despised David. Vs 23 of that Chapter states-Therefore
Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. An offended heart
resulted in physical barrenness for Michal. But looking beyond the physical barrenness of
Michal, the lesson here is that offense results in spiritual fruitlessness. Offense leads to
unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment and to a craving to retaliate and hurt. A bitter
person cannot bear fruit for the Lord. When we take offense it beclouds our judgment
and all we want to do is to strike back. But we need to be careful. Luke 17:1-3 warns us-
it is impossible that no offense would come, but woe to him through whom they do
come. In other words you are not justified to offend people because you have been
offended. God holds you accountable for choosing to offend others because you are
offended.
In Numbers Chapter 20, Moses was angry with the Israelites for their constant
grumbling and complaining. In this instance they complained that they were thirsty and
there was no water. Moses approached the Lord and the Lord told him to gather the
people together and speak to the rock; and it would provide water for the people.
However when Moses gathered the people, rather that speak to the rock, he struck the
rock angrily twice with his rod. The rock provided water for the people. But the Lord was
not happy with Moses for disobeying Him. As a result a man who the Lord had used to
lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the deserts did not lead the people into the
promised land because he was offended at the people and acted in anger. Meanwhile
he had every reason to be offended. But then God said- offense would come, but woe
to him through whom they do come.
Many men and women whom God had anointed and used over the years have allowed
offenses to ruin their ministries. Many people have allowed offenses to wreck their
marriages. Many have allowed offenses to disrupt their careers. Many have allowed
offenses to destroy their family relationships and friendships. Sadly so many have died
a bitter, empty and lonely life because they chose offense.

Brethren, taking offense is the greatest stumbling block we can face in life. It is the
greatest strategy the devil uses against Christians both old and young in age; mature
and baby Christians.
How can we rise above the spirit of offense? We have to take the responsibility for
taking offense. We have to take our eyes off the offender and place them on ourselves.
You can choose not to be offended. It is entirely your decision.
This may sound impossible, but next Episode, we shall consider how we can choose
not to take offense. May God grant me the Grace not to take offense. I hope that is your
prayer too.
Heavenly father we present our emotions before you. Empower us to forgive and let go
when we are offended. By the power in the blood of Jesus, we reject and overcome the
spirit of Offense from oppressing us in Jesus Name.