DON’T ALLOW OFFENCE TO THRIVE

A dear father in the faith gave me an appointment to see him. I honoured the day but I sent messages to get further details. I got no reply. I had to travel back to base without seeing him. I sent some follow-up messages. 

Some weeks later, I needed to send him another message when I realised that he sent me a message that I did not see. I was so shocked. I had to apologise. I told myself, “Thank God I did not walk the path of offence. I would have acted foolishly” 

Certainly, offence will surely come. You must be the one that will refuse to be offended. Ensure you are also not the trigger of an offence. 

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offences should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” 

Luke 17:1 NKJV 

As long as men relate, one issue or the other will come up but you must not just walk in forgiveness, you must walk in advanced forgiveness. 

Much more than forgiveness, you must learn that “Love bears all things”. Give space in your heart that deals with the challenges that come with relating with people.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

I Corinthians 13:4,  7 NKJV 

Offences arise most times when you are quick to jump to conclusions. If you have not seen the full picture, do not form an opinion. Be patient. It may not be the way you think it is. 

There are times as children when our parents flogged us, shouted at us and disciplined us without knowing the full story. They listened to an outsider and reached conclusions about our character and behaviour. Some of you still have that pain in your heart till now. Let it go! 

But the big question is- Who are you treating the same way? Do you have the full picture of what your spouse actually did or it was what you were told? Have you given that friend the benefit of doubt? How about your business partner? Be patient. It may not be what you think.