Underlying theme for the first term is “knowing Jesus Christ my Lord better We are offended by rudeness, incivility and harsh language. Children offend their parents by disobedience, and parents offend their children by being unreasonable 1. Displeasure; anger, or moderate anger. He gave him a just cause of offense. He took offense. 2. cause of stumbling. A brother that took offence is harder to be won over than a strong city. Prov 18. 3. It is a wound to the conscience. 4.painful; annoying ; to injure one self 5. Offence is an internal reaction by myself , because of an action of someone else that I did not agree with. To take offence is to make a decision to be the judge over the other person’s actions and motives instead of leaving it to God. Offence is painful , annoying, and it is like injuring yourself. Offence wounds the conscience and destroys all peace.

Offence is an internal reaction by myself ,because of something someone else did, that I did not agree with. To take offence is to make a decision to be the judge over the other person’s actions and motives instead of leaving it to God. Offence is painful , annoying, and it is like injuring yourself. Offence wounds the conscience and destroys all peace.

Common reasons for taking offence…

…your good intentions were thrown back into your face.

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. (Mat 10:14 NIV)

…the life you have to live and the struggles you have to endure.

And blessed (happy--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favour and salvation, apart from outward conditions--and to be envied) is he who takes no offence in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble [whatever may occur]. (Luk 7:23 AMPC)

…when your friends seem to be more blessed than you.

We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honoured, we are dishonoured! (1Co 4:10 NIV)

You are trying to read between the lines where there are no lines...

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1Co 4:5 NIV)

How?

Move in a different spirit…

We work hard with our own hands We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world; right up to this moment. (1Co 4:12-13 NIV)

Differentiate between opinion and fact...

Follow the example of Jesus our Lord…

Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?" But Jesus did not reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was greatly astonished. (Mat 27:13-14 AMP) It was all opinions… Jesus did not put His foot in it

Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose. And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner [guilty of insurrection and murder], called Barabbas. So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" (Mat 27:15-17 AMP+)

While he was seated on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous and innocent Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him." But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. (Mat 27:19-20 AMP+)

The governor said to them, "Which of the two do you wish me to set free for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all replied, "Let Him be crucified!" (Mat 27:21-22 AMP+) Good intentions thrown in His face The suffering He had to go through Those around him are more blessed He did not read between the lines, he focussed on the facts

Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be executed with Him. [Isa 53:12] When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and one on the lef. And Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. (Luk 23:32-34)

Life is not about me, life is about God and His Kingdom…

…your good intentions were thrown back into your face …your good intentions were thrown back into your face. …the life you have to live and the struggles you have to endure. …when your followers seem to be more blessed than you. …you are reading between the lines where there are no lines.

Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him [drop the issue, let it go], so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings [against Him and others]. (Mar 11:25 AMP) Example of my wrong doings… Ministry