“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. – Matthew 11:6
We get easily offended by people and in people. Most time our expectation of people is disappointed and the natural reaction is to be offended. A misunderstanding of someone’s mission can create an act of dislike that can lead to offence. The misconstrued action of someone can lead to offence. Such was the case of John the Baptist, who was locked up in prison. He probably would have expected that the one he came as his forerunner should exercise his authority and influence to effect his release. When nothing happened in that direction doubts crept in. It was this doubt that led to his questioning the messiahship of Christ by asking thus “……Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?”. – Luke 7:20
Just like John many people have gotten disappointed by God when they prayed fervently and their prayers were not answered, some got offended and blamed God when they lost a very close person. Most of the die-hard atheist are product of very strong ‘disappointment’ from God. They claim that they believed and prayed but God did not answer, so to them that is a proof of his non-existence or that he is bias. They then begin to wage war against the Most High God. No matter how sympathetic their case must have been, it is foolishness to take offence against the Most God. The scriptures says in Romans 9:33(KJV) “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and a rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed”. Most time the spirit of offence leads to rebellion. We must be properly guided to avoid been offended by our fellow man to the extent of developing hatred in our heart. In John 16:1(KJV) the bible says “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended”. Offence and hurt have driven many people to their early grave. Wars of acrimony are been fought daily on the altar of offence. Offence leads to malice and subsequently it matures into malice and sometimes ends up in murder or spiritual wickedness. It became necessary for Christ to prepare the mind of his disciple to the impending persecution so that they will not be offended. A Christian must know that offence will surely come as long as we are in this human body, the important thing is how to handle it when it comes. Paul said in Acts 24:16(KJV) “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men”. Learning from Paul it is very important for self-exercise so as to be able to know that offence will surely come and have a ready action plan of your response when it comes.
Father, help me to adequately prepare myself to respond positively to offence when it comes. In Jesus name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo