Today’s scripture: Proverbs 18:19, 1 Peter 2:1-3, Ephesians 5:1-2
After a year of enduring the pandemic with it’s isolation, limited mobility, and restrictive interactions, we are all a bit on edge and weary of the limitations. It is easy to fall into the trap of being offended when things don’t go the way we think or wish they would. When offended, it’s easy to blame someone else for what disturbs us or counters our preconceived notion. Sometimes the offense gives us an excuse to back away, leave, or otherwise withdraw from community and this is exactly what the evil one wants us to do. Offense and love cannot co-exist and this is our greatest defense.
The spirit of offense can be a spiritually debilitating factor and it is an attractive trap for believers. As disciples we must choose to not fall into the sin of offense because it divides the body and is a roadblock to unity. Our defense is awareness, prayer, accountability to one another, and expressing genuine love for one another.