The Trap Of Being Easily Offended
Part of Off-Ended
November 1, 2018


Luke 17:1
“Things that cause people to stumble (or be offended) are bound to come … .”


James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.

Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Blessings That Come From Not Being So Easily Offended

  • We’re in a better position to hear something we need to hear.


    1 Corinthians 13:6
    (Love) … is not easily-angered.

  • We can’t have our joy stolen so easily.

  • We’re able to stay on mission.

The Road To Becoming “Less Offendable”

  • Consider what our “bait is.

  • Consider what we’ve attached our identity to.

  • Find our footing in the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15
… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.


Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

  • Give people the same benefit of the doubt that we give ourselves.


Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Do not take to heart every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.

  • Keep our eyes on the cross.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if you any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.


Psalm 124:6-8
Praise be to the Lord … the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord … .

Communion

When it comes to the possibility of being easily offended …

  • What is your bait?
  • What do you have a tendency to attach your identity to?
  • Thank the Lord for His forgiveness in regard to your offenses.
  • Is there something we can pray about with you following the service?