OFFENDED
In the Lord’s Prayer we learn that we are called to forgive those who sin against us.
Often we are willing to forgive others, but later Satan reminds us of the wrongdoing. We think about it, judge it and pronounce in our heart we are “offended” and wronged. We then become angry, bitter and yes . . . offensive.
The enemy likes to trick us into being offended people. But the Lord Jesus came to set us free from that trap. If you are feeling trapped, pray and ask God to guide you in forgiveness. “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” LUKE 6:37
READ SCRIPTURE
HEBREWS 12:14-15, NIV
14 “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
PROVERBS 19:11, NIV
11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
LIVE IT
Satan loves it when we keep score of other people’s sins. He convinces us to keep records of wrongs when we are offended and to seek revenge on those who have hurt us. Jesus is just the opposite. His ways are always filled with love, mercy, and grace. Pray for Jesus’ supernatural power and love to fill your heart and mind today. He longs to help you release others from the punishment you think they deserve. Ask for God’s power in this.
PRAYER
“Jesus, you know how deeply offended I have been with those who have hurt me. It’s so hard when I think about how they have wronged me. I release my anger and bitterness toward them right now in your presence. You have set me free by taking away each and every sin in my life. Thank you Jesus. I pray for those who have caused me pain. Please bless them. Help them to see your love, mercy and grace. I need your Spirit to help guide me as I seek to love and pray for those I continue to struggle with. Help me, Jesus. Amen.”
