WHAT OFFENDS YOU?

Taking offense is similar to the word touchy.People take offense at many things especially words. The question is what makes them offended and should they be offended.
I have realized of recent that people get offended when the Word is preached. For example, I have realized that some folks get offended when told to watch their words. It is a pity to get offended at the word of God. When God gives his word, it is true. Many a time we miss the kingdom just because we are offended by the truth. The rich young ruler missed the kingdom because he grieved at the word spoken.(Luke 18:23)

A clear example is when one is told that God didn’t make them sick and they should stop saying the negative, I have heard them say well I can’t say I am well when I am not and then get offended. I have heard people say such terms,
• I am dying to go
• I laughed to death or that tickles me to death
• Take care and it is a pain in the neck
When they are told to change their words, they get offended just as I did when I was first told by a friend to watch my words. Listen, if you are told the truth, don’t be offended but receive the word spoken. Believe it or not, you are ensnared by your words. You will be defeated if you don’t watch your words.

Taking offense at words or actions results into sin. Love is not touchy and being offended because of the truth will affect your Christian walk. It is better to receive the word and check it and change. We have been fed on a psychology of unbelief so that when our beliefs are challenged, we easily put our guards up and end up offended and resenting the preachers. As Christians, we need to grow and you won’t be able to do so unless you desire and receive the sincere milk of the word (1Pet 2:2). Offense will affect you because you will resent folks and start saying things like, “well they are also like me”, “they are trying to be like God”, “who do you think you are?” and down the trench you will go.

Avoiding offense is a decision that you decide to take before and during the temptation to get offended because of anything. Let me also say this. You may be right to get offended about something (of course never at the word of God) but the word of God says Love is not touchy or resentful. Are you already there-at the point of not being offended? Many of us are not, but thank God that we can grow in Love and get our lives in a better position to receive from God, live healthy lives and be rich. Be watchful of your words and what others say but avoid offense.