Not Taking Offense

"A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 NIV  

This verse reminded me of a time when a friend didn't return my two calls for help in making an important business decision.  I rarely called her and hoped that she would give my request priority.  As the days wore on and the phone didn't ring, I began to have thoughts knocking at my door like, "you're not a priority to her," or "why isn't she calling you back?" or "she must really be disorganized."  

God reminded me that I had to resist the urge of taking offense.  I knew that it was a trap that would only harm me in the long run.    

We finally stop playing phone tag and were able to meet regarding the situation I was facing.  She shared with me about the difficult challenges she had been dealing with that had taken precedence over returning my call.  The time I spent with her helped clear up my misunderstanding and opened deeper communication channels that strengthened our relationship.    

Offense is based on unforgiveness.  Proverbs 18:19 NIV says, "An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel." Taking offense allows the devil to build an "anti-God" stronghold around us based on unforgiveness.  From that stronghold, the devil can then work to cut us off from the body of Christ and lead us into more sin.    

I suppose that people who struggle with pride also probably struggle with wanting to take offense when people don't show them courtesy or respect.  Had I taken offense in the above situation, it could have led to a rift between my friend and I.  I'm so glad I didn't take the bait and hung in there a little longer to understand what was going on.    

The first actions for breaking the bondage of offense is to first forgive those whom we have allowed to offend us.  We may need God's help in being able to forgive.  If that is the case, all we have to do is ask him to help us do so!