MONDAY: OFFENSE
KEY PASSAGE
““Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
DEVOTIONAL
Have you ever been in a situation where someone did something or said something that truly and deeply offended you?
The truth is: Offense is the tip of the iceberg of unforgiveness in our lives. The offense may be on the surface, but underneath, bitterness, resentment and anger begin to take up the majority of the space in our hearts.
Anything we choose to keep in the dark is allowed to grow without our knowledge. In other words, we will never realize how big, strong, or dangerous something hidden in our hearts has grown until it is finally brought to light. The more we allow these things to grow without doing something about them, the greater the damage they can do to ourselves and our relationships.
We have an opportunity to release the effect of offense and stop it from growing to an unstable state. This opportunity comes by forgiveness as Christ forgave you. The offense may have happened in a moment, but the feelings that we allow to remain are a double-edged sword, causing damage to ourselves and to others.
CHALLENGE
BRING IT TO LIGHT: Take 5 minutes to ask the Holy Spirit, “What offense am I still holding on to today?” Write down what comes to mind. Bring it to light. What gets named can get dealt with.
RELEASE THE WEIGHT: Pray this difficult yet freeing prayer - “Jesus, I choose to forgive _________. I release all bitterness, anger, and resentment as I know it does not serve me or others. Help me to see the fruit of forgiveness, and renew my mind today. Amen.”
REPLACE THE ROOT: Do one act of kindness to someone today. Buy someone’s coffee, compliment your cashier, or even, if it is appropriate, do something kind towards that person who offended you in the past.