Pastors Desk Details

Good morning brethren, today, I would like to share on a sensitive but important topic which I have titled “Giving and taking offence and the habit of creating allowances for wrongs (Part 1)” This teaching will be in two parts: Part 1 (today) will help us understand what offence is, the dangers of offence, giving offence (with practical examples), and taking offence (also with examples). Part 2 will focus on creating allowances for wrongs—what it means, biblical examples, and practical ways to live it out. Our key scriptures includes Our key scriptures includes Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offence.” Apostle Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 4:2–3 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Also Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” And Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” An offence is a perceived insult, injury, or wrongdoing that leads to resentment or anger. Offence can be given when we hurt people or taken when we allow ourselves to be hurt. The Bible warns in Proverbs 18:19, “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city.” One of the dangers of offence is that it builds walls instead of bridges, separating people emotionally and spiritually. It also becomes the breeding ground for bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

To give offence means failing to guard our words and actions. In simple terms, we must be mindful of how we speak and behave. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Even truth, if spoken harshly, can offend — that’s why Ephesians 4:15 urges us to “speak the truth in love.” Jesus is our perfect example. Though His teachings offended the Pharisees (Matthew 15:12–14), He never acted out of pride or spite. We are warned in Luke 17:1–2, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Similarly, Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 8:13 says “If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat…” — showing his commitment to avoiding offence for the sake of others. As believers, we must prioritise the spiritual good of others over our personal freedom. Before speaking or acting, ask will this build up or tear down? And if you realise you have offended someone, seek reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23–24). Taking offence refers to how we respond when others hurt us. One powerful way to respond is to choose not to be offended. Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 says, “Do not take to heart all the things that people say… you know that many times you yourself have cursed others.” Often, people expect grace from others but give very little in return. Jesus, however, teaches us to absorb offence without retaliation. 1 Peter 2:23 says that “when they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate.” And even on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This is the ultimate example of refusing to take offence. Joseph’s story also illustrates this beautifully. Though betrayed by his brothers, he chose to see God’s hand in it, saying in Genesis 50:20, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

In Conclusion, let us as believers, cultivate soft hearts and ask ourselves before reacting if this offence is worth losing our peace over? May we learn to both guard our actions and manage our responses, living at peace with all as much as possible. Service starts at 10:30 a.m, Worker’s meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. God’s blessings - Mike