Luke 17:1
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come.
In this life, offenses will come even without you looking out for them 
.You will encounter people who have all manner of issues 
and sometimes, they will falsely accuse you ,they will malign you,they will criticize you to satisfy their inner insecurities but instead of getting offended learn how to handle offenses.
Am not saying we don’t offend people, we do at times ,if we are honest with ourselves and are willing to apologize from a place of humility and genuine love.
However, greater levels of responsibility require higher levels of maturity. I will be honest with, you can’t swim in the mud with someone who wants to stay in the mud.Build your capacity by learning how to overcome offenses. How can you extend love to people, maximize your potential and desire to be used of God and at the same time you are busy hating so and so? This is not the nature of Christ.
God wants to have His place in our hearts and find a vessel to use but He cannot share His space with anger, offense, bitterness and envy.If oil and water do not mix then being offended and anointed won’t either. Let’s cry out for our hearts to overcome offenses.I have penned down How to deal with offense, Offenses will Come , What is your Cause towards that Alliance? and Is Bitterness Hindering You?, which are good reads to connect with this particular post.
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Pass the test.
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Die to flesh.
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It’s not always your or the highway.
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Give God room to mold you.
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Grow and let go.
Mirror on God’s Word and overcome Offense.
Proverbs 18:19 (NLT)
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
James 3:16 (NLT)
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
Galatians 6:1-3 (NKJV)
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
James 1:19 (NLT)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Acts 24:16 (NKJV)
This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Love ReinaBeaty.
