Ministering: Rev. Lanre Oluseye
Topic: Christ is my Advantage
Texts: Colossians 2:9,10 (NKJV), Matthew 24:9-11 (NKJV)
In every community of believers you will find two classes of people; those who grow the body spiritually and those who grow it numerically.
The former are very important because they are spiritually mature, they get things done rightly, and ensure there is order in the sanctuary. However they are often unable to influence people outside church walls because they do not have friends in their circle who are unbelievers.
The latter are believers who are comfortable hanging around unbelievers without being intimidated by their lifestyle. They are more outgoing, more sociable and are outreachers. They minister to, pray for, and invite their unbelieving acquaintances to church.
While one class brings unbelievers to church; the other class tends to exhibit a religious defense mechanism to ensure these newcomers behave themselves appropriately while they’re in church. They are sometimes offended by their presence and in the process, offend the newcomers, whereas they should be rejoicing that they came. This often leads to the newcomers refraining from church afterwards. The offense of the ‘spiritual’ class of people chases the harvest away.
Why are you so offended?
– When people do not behave the way you expect them to behave.
– When you are not treated the way you expect to be treated.
Matthew 24:3-11 (NKJV) – Offense is one of the signs of the end of days. Offended people find it easier to betray others. After betrayal comes hatred which is as bad as murder. Once there is hatred you become automatically prone to deception, because offense clouds your judgement.
I Corinthians 5:1-7 (NKJV), II Corinthians 2:5-11 – Paul in these scriptures, instructs on how to relate to someone who does something gravely offensive in the church. He teaches us to balance discipline and correction with love.
Luke 17:1 (NKJV) – As long as you are breathing, you will definitely encounter offense. People will not always behave the way you expect them to. Offense can be given but the choice to take it is yours. That is only when it inflicts pain.
Why You Should Not Take Offense:
Offense moves you out of your position. Saul could have easily taken out Goliath because he was a Benjamite (Judges 20:16), but David whose natural instrument was the harp, took Saul’s place in killing Goliath with a stone, because Saul haboured offense. If you value your divine destiny, do all in your power not to take offense. Don’t let offenses move you out of your place.
When you forgive an event (the fact that something was done to you), it may take a while for the impact (the trauma) to heal. It doesn’t mean you did not forgive. With time you will be truly whole.
If you have offended someone ask God for grace to make peace. It won’t be easy but Christ in you is your advantage. (Philippians 4:13) You can do it.
Prayer
Holy Spirit wrap your arms around all who hurt from offense. Father let your healing balm flow over our hearts. Help us to release the pain. Amen.
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