Offense is probably the greatest stumbling block to the Christian life; For the one that causes it and for the one that receives(takes) it. Why?
Genesis 4:3-8 (NASB) 3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." 8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Offense (definition): annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.
Offense turned Cain into a murderer. Let’s examine these verses of scripture a little more closely, starting in Genesis 4:3-5 (NASB):
Genesis 4:3-5 (NASB) 3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
Read that again and ponder for a few moments. What did Abel do to Cain? What did he say to, or about, Cain? What was Abel’s crime against Cain; or anyone for that matter? How could Cain murder his brother without any cause?
Because, it doesn’t matter what anybody does to us. What does this tell us today? If Cain could arrive at these actions without cause, it must not be based on what any person does or does not do to or for us. There is no justification for being offended. There is no good reason to give it place in our lives.
The Lord addresses the offense with Cain.
Genesis 4:6-7 (NASB) 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."
“You must master it” means, we each have a choice about what gets into our heart.
Offense, when it is allowed to take root will take on many forms: murder, strife, bitterness, unforgiveness, envy, etc. When we choose to be offended with people, we are choosing to allow the enemy to have a foothold in our lives and to begin to produce bad fruit in our lives; instead of us bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
How can you overcome offense? One word… FORGIVE. Prepare your heart. Practice forgiveness. Before anyone has a chance to try to offend you, determine to forgive them. Inoculate yourself with forgiveness, if you will. Be so filled up and ready to forgive that instead of having a “comeback” you are greeting them with understanding and forgiveness in your heart and on your lips. Choosing to forgive readily, easily, and up front keeps you free and ever flowing in the things of God.