What is “Offense”? Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” Luke 17:1a Skandalon = The part of the trap to which the bait is attached, hence, the trap or snare itself. A stumbling block. Satan is trying to trap you. Satan hates humans. He refused to bow to us. He knows God loves us.

“An offense usually occurs when you see, hear, or experience a behavior that is so different from what you expected that it causes you to falter, totter and wobble in your soul. In fact, you are so stunned by what you have observed or by a failed expectation that you lose your footing emotionally. Before you know it, you are dumbfounded and flabbergasted about something. Then your shock turns into disbelief, your disbelief into disappointment, and your disappointment into offense.” – Rick Renner The phone message I received.

into two major categories: Types of “Offense” Offended people fall into two major categories: Those who BELIEVE they have been treated unjustly. Those who have been treated unjustly. Please know which category you belong to. That will dictate what your actions are.

have been treated unjustly. Types of “Offense” Those who BELIEVE they have been treated unjustly. conclusions drawn from inaccurate information. information accurate, but conclusion is distorted. AVOID: Assumption Appearance Hearsay I heard that you told pastor moore you didn’t like my sermon. You didn’t tell pastor moore that. You meant it constructively. text messages breed miscommunication, nuances are lost.

Types of “Offense” Those who HAVE BEEN treated unjustly. No man, woman, child, or devil can ever get you out of the will of God! God ALWAYS has a plan. Story of Joseph But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… Genesis 50:20 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18: 21-35 Is forgiven of a HUGE debt. Refuses to forgive a SMALLER debt. Turned over to torture, has to repay original debt.

The Burdens of Unforgiveness Wasted energy. Lack of responsibility for our lives (accusing and excusing).   Paralyzed by bitterness, resentment and guilt. Spiritual stagnation.

The Blessings of Forgiveness Recognize our own sin/sins (1 John 1:8) Receive God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) (Col. 2:13- 14) Reflect on God’s Love (1 Peter 4:8 & 1 John 3:16) 1 john 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The Practice of Forgiveness Remember that it is your Christian duty. Exercise daily! Acts 24:16 Seek Reconciliation. Matthew 5: 21-24 Some offenses will hurt if we’re not trained properly. Cant train one day and expect to move heavy weight. Cant give up after one day. It is more important for us to help a stumbling brother, than to be right. Maybe they were wronged by us – or believe they have been Pride defends, humility agrees Seek reconciliation, not condemnation, when someone offends you. Matt 18:15-17 But don’t put yourself in a position to be abused.