Take No Offense: How Should Christians Respond to Offense
Introduction: The Weight of an Offended Heart
Every follower of Jesus faces moments when words wound, actions sting, or misunderstandings divide. Offense is inevitable—it comes to all of us. Yet how we respond to offense determines whether we reflect Christ or allow bitterness to take root. Jesus warned that “it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come” (Luke 17:1 NASB). The Greek word skandalon means “a trap” or “snare.” When we hold onto offense, we step right into that trap.
Learning to “take no offense” is not about pretending hurt never happened. It’s about choosing freedom instead of bondage, peace instead of bitterness, and love instead of resentment.
1. Recognize When Offense Becomes a Trap
Matthew 15:12 (NKJV) records that even the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words. Truth often challenges pride. Sometimes, offense exposes areas where our hearts resist correction or humility.
There are two kinds of people who struggle with offense: those who have been genuinely treated unjustly and those who believe they have been. Both can fall into the same snare if they let offense linger. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP) warns, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.”
When you replay the hurt and refuse to release it, you build walls around your heart. Those walls might feel protective, but they block healing, love, and growth. Offense + Hurt = Sin when left unresolved.
Action Step: Ask God to reveal where your heart has hardened. Release it to Him before it poisons your peace.
2. Guard Your Heart from Bitterness
Paul’s command in Ephesians 4:27 (ESV) is clear: “Give no opportunity to the devil.” When we cling to offense, we open a door for the enemy to divide relationships and destroy unity.
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) teaches, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” This verse reminds believers that overlooking an offense is not weakness—it’s strength under control. Wisdom gives you perspective. Patience allows you to step back, breathe, and view the situation through the eyes of grace.
Action Step: Practice restraint. When someone offends you, pause before reacting. Pray, “Lord, help me see this through Your eyes.”
3. Be Quick to Forgive and Slow to Fight
Forgiveness is not optional for followers of Jesus. Luke 17:3–4 (NASB) urges, “Be on guard! … If he repents, forgive him…even if he sins against you seven times a day.” Jesus repeated the command to forgive because offense will keep coming.
In 2 Timothy 2:24–25 (NASB), Paul describes the posture of a servant of the Lord: “patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.” We are called to respond with kindness, not combativeness.
Jesus modeled perfect forgiveness on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34 CEV). He released mercy even while being wronged.
Action Step: When you feel wronged, pray for the person who hurt you. It’s difficult to stay angry at someone you consistently bring before God.
4. Handle Conflict with Maturity and Love
Jesus gives a clear process for reconciliation in Matthew 18:15–16 (CEV): “If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you.” Healthy correction happens privately, not publicly. Gossip and resentment sow discord—something God detests (Proverbs 6:16–19 ESV).
This approach doesn’t just protect relationships; it preserves the unity of the Church. When we follow Christ’s example, we build bridges instead of walls.
Action Step: If you’re holding offense toward someone, reach out privately. Seek to restore, not to win.
5. Live Unoffended to Experience God’s Peace
Psalm 119:165 (KJV) declares, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” To love God’s Word is to anchor your heart in His truth rather than your feelings. Offense and unbelief block the flow of God’s power in your life. But a heart that releases offense makes room for peace to reign.
Matthew 11:6 (NKJV) adds, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” When you choose to live unoffended, you become a vessel of blessing.
Action Step: Surrender every offense at the feet of Jesus. Choose peace daily by remembering how deeply you’ve been forgiven.
Conclusion: Freedom Starts with Forgiveness
Offense may come, but it doesn’t have to stay. The next time someone’s words cut deep or misunderstanding rises, pause and remember: Jesus faced every kind of offense—and still chose forgiveness.
Let your life reflect that same grace. Be patient, guard your heart, forgive quickly, and handle conflict with wisdom. You’ll discover that peace follows those who refuse to carry offense.
Call to Action:
If this message spoke to your heart, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. To grow in your faith and find a community that lives this truth out, visit Oasis Church or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also watch inspiring messages on our YouTube channel or find hope-filled content on TikTok.
Every follower of Jesus faces moments when words wound, actions sting, or misunderstandings divide. Offense is inevitable—it comes to all of us. Yet how we respond to offense determines whether we reflect Christ or allow bitterness to take root. Jesus warned that “it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come” (Luke 17:1 NASB). The Greek word skandalon means “a trap” or “snare.” When we hold onto offense, we step right into that trap.
Learning to “take no offense” is not about pretending hurt never happened. It’s about choosing freedom instead of bondage, peace instead of bitterness, and love instead of resentment.
1. Recognize When Offense Becomes a Trap
Matthew 15:12 (NKJV) records that even the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words. Truth often challenges pride. Sometimes, offense exposes areas where our hearts resist correction or humility.
There are two kinds of people who struggle with offense: those who have been genuinely treated unjustly and those who believe they have been. Both can fall into the same snare if they let offense linger. Proverbs 18:19 (AMP) warns, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city.”
When you replay the hurt and refuse to release it, you build walls around your heart. Those walls might feel protective, but they block healing, love, and growth. Offense + Hurt = Sin when left unresolved.
Action Step: Ask God to reveal where your heart has hardened. Release it to Him before it poisons your peace.
2. Guard Your Heart from Bitterness
Paul’s command in Ephesians 4:27 (ESV) is clear: “Give no opportunity to the devil.” When we cling to offense, we open a door for the enemy to divide relationships and destroy unity.
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) teaches, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” This verse reminds believers that overlooking an offense is not weakness—it’s strength under control. Wisdom gives you perspective. Patience allows you to step back, breathe, and view the situation through the eyes of grace.
Action Step: Practice restraint. When someone offends you, pause before reacting. Pray, “Lord, help me see this through Your eyes.”
3. Be Quick to Forgive and Slow to Fight
Forgiveness is not optional for followers of Jesus. Luke 17:3–4 (NASB) urges, “Be on guard! … If he repents, forgive him…even if he sins against you seven times a day.” Jesus repeated the command to forgive because offense will keep coming.
In 2 Timothy 2:24–25 (NASB), Paul describes the posture of a servant of the Lord: “patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.” We are called to respond with kindness, not combativeness.
Jesus modeled perfect forgiveness on the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34 CEV). He released mercy even while being wronged.
Action Step: When you feel wronged, pray for the person who hurt you. It’s difficult to stay angry at someone you consistently bring before God.
4. Handle Conflict with Maturity and Love
Jesus gives a clear process for reconciliation in Matthew 18:15–16 (CEV): “If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you.” Healthy correction happens privately, not publicly. Gossip and resentment sow discord—something God detests (Proverbs 6:16–19 ESV).
This approach doesn’t just protect relationships; it preserves the unity of the Church. When we follow Christ’s example, we build bridges instead of walls.
Action Step: If you’re holding offense toward someone, reach out privately. Seek to restore, not to win.
5. Live Unoffended to Experience God’s Peace
Psalm 119:165 (KJV) declares, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” To love God’s Word is to anchor your heart in His truth rather than your feelings. Offense and unbelief block the flow of God’s power in your life. But a heart that releases offense makes room for peace to reign.
Matthew 11:6 (NKJV) adds, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” When you choose to live unoffended, you become a vessel of blessing.
Action Step: Surrender every offense at the feet of Jesus. Choose peace daily by remembering how deeply you’ve been forgiven.
Conclusion: Freedom Starts with Forgiveness
Offense may come, but it doesn’t have to stay. The next time someone’s words cut deep or misunderstanding rises, pause and remember: Jesus faced every kind of offense—and still chose forgiveness.
Let your life reflect that same grace. Be patient, guard your heart, forgive quickly, and handle conflict with wisdom. You’ll discover that peace follows those who refuse to carry offense.
Call to Action:
If this message spoke to your heart, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. To grow in your faith and find a community that lives this truth out, visit Oasis Church or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also watch inspiring messages on our YouTube channel or find hope-filled content on TikTok.
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