So someone hurt you? Said some stuff? Lied to you or about you? Did you take offense? An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city (Proverbs 18:19). Gritted teeth. Folded arms. Shaken head.

Jesus’ family took offense at him (Mark 6:3), and no miracles happened in his hometown. The Pharisees took offense at his rebuke (Matthew 15:12) and closed their ears to their hope of salvation.

Offense is unforgiveness

To stay offended is just unforgiveness by another name. You’re hurt and stay grumpy!

Someone with chronic back-pain came to us for healing. He was offended by being misled twenty years earlier, which he took as deliberate. His unforgiveness caused him years of pain.

Offense is pride

When we’re hurt, we get on our high horse and want justice.  ‘They shouldn’t have said that/done that/treated me like that!’ No, they shouldn’t. But we hurt each other all the time. And who is the Judge?

To hurt someone isn’t sin

Jesus hurt Peter when he asked him the third time if he loved him (John 21:17). Paul hurt the Corinthians with his first letter (2 Corinthians 7:8). Said in love, some things will hurt others.

But it’s a sin to take offense. He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9). That is deadly.

Jesus paid for your offense on the cross. Don’t take it back! Did someone hurt you? Forgive them!