How Christians are to handle offences

Hello Readers & Followers,

How are you doing? How is your week going? What's the weather like where you are? It's very windy here today. 

This week's post is about how we (Christians) are to manage offences. It is important that we do not allow secular perspectives to set the guidelines for our daily consecrated life. We are not to live our Christian lives using humanistic common sense. The Bible says in Mark 7:13 that 'because of your traditions, you have destroyed the authority of God's word and you do many other things like that." Have you destroyed the authority of God's word in your life with the way you manage offences?

Jesus Christ said in His word in Luke 17:1 that 'offences will certainly come but woe (judgment is coming) to the one they come through.' Since offences will certainly come, it is important that we manage them using the Word of God because if we do not manage offences in line with God's word, they could lead to the following:

• Uncontrolled anger (The Bible says that the anger of humans does not produce the righteousness of God- James 1:20). Uncontrolled anger could lead to bitterness, brawling, and slander. God's Word says we should put away bitterness, anger, and slander - Ephesians 4:31.

• Disharmony (The Bible says that blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God - Matthew 5:9. The Word of God also says in Psalm133:1 that how good and pleasant it is when believers dwell in unity, which means when we do not dwell in unity, we will not be pleasing God).

• Recording/repeating records of wrongs (The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:5 that love does not keep a record of wrongs. God also says that in the multitude of words, sin is not lacking - Proverbs 10:19).

  How are you to handle offences as a Christian?

Step one: Recognise and understand the spirit behind the offence. The devil's plan is to sow discord. Therefore, do not waste your time fighting the wrong person. The main enemy is the devil, he wants you to be angry, he wants to cause you pain, he wants to steal your joy and peace. When you recognise this, you won't waste your energy grumbling or fighting anyone.

Step two: Attack the issue by praying always. Fire intercessory prayers and bind the spirit behind the issue. Pray constantly by using the authority that you have in Christ to bind the plans of the enemy (Matthew 18:18).

Step three: Ask God to help you to walk in love. It is not possible to show love to someone that hurts you without the help of God. God's help will enable you to repay evil with good, and not retaliate (Romans 12:17-21 and 1 Peter 3:9). In addition, if you avoid the person that hurts you, it may lead to discord and you may struggle to show God's love to the person. 

Step 4: Ask God to grant you wisdom and understanding in handling the offence. God gives His wisdom generously. 

Finally, if you find yourself constantly getting angry at someone or you are making a choice to avoid someone because you are angry with them, remember that you are being influenced by the devil. God has given you the power to resist the devil. Stay strong in your Christian faith and do not destroy the authority of God's word in your life.

Have a lovely week.

-Mysses Lafunky