04/10

Unlocking Offense

Five Keys to Unlocking Offense

Offense is one of the enemy’s greatest tools to disrupt relationships, steal joy, and hinder spiritual growth. When we carry offense, it weighs us down and keeps us from fully embracing God’s peace. We would be wise to remember that offense is something we carry everything we carry must be picked up, intentionally, everywhere we go.  Here are five keys to unlocking offense and making the choice to put down the offense and walk forward.
  1. Recognize the Source of Offense: The enemy uses offense as a trap to divide and distract us from God’s purpose. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” Understanding that the battle is spiritual helps us approach offense with a heart of grace, not retaliation.                                                                                                    
  2. Choose Forgiveness Daily: Forgiveness is not a one-time decision but a daily practice. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Holding on to offense builds a wall between us and God. By choosing to forgive, we reflect His grace and release the power of bitterness over our lives. Forgiveness is a discipline.                                                                                                                                                                                                    
  3. Embrace Humility: Pride often fuels offense. When we demand our rights or expect perfection from others, offense is inevitable. Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to a different posture: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Humility allows us to extend the grace we would want extended to us, and let go of hurt.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  4.  Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” To live unoffended, we must be mindful of what we allow into our hearts. Dwelling on negative thoughts or replaying offenses gives them power. Instead, focus on God’s truth, meditate on His Word, and invite Him to heal any wounded areas. Who stands at the gate of your heart? If it is you, you will allow offense in; if it’s Christ, He does not.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  5. Rely on the Holy Spirit: We cannot unlock offense in our own strength. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to forgive, love, and release offense. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with these qualities and guide your responses in challenging situations.

Final Encouragement and Application

Living unoffended is a journey of surrender and trust. When we recognize offense for what it is and apply these five keys, we can break free from its grip. Jesus Himself is our ultimate example. When He was mocked, betrayed, and crucified, He chose to say, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Let us follow His example, releasing offense and walking in the freedom of His love and grace. Take a few minutes to identify any offense you may be carrying.  Spend time in prayer, surrendering the offense(s) to Jesus and inviting him to heal the burdens you are carrying into current conflicts.
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