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Brothers and sisters, many of us know the following portion of the word of God (2 Corinthians 7:8-12). But knowing a portion does not make one understand the depth of the matter. There are so many professing brothers and sisters that “wear their feelings on their sleeves” as the world says.

To be so easily offended is understandable for a child. Are we not told to put away such childish things?

Speaking As a Child

Are we not told to grow up in Christ?

Many will say “but we are told offenses will come and that is truth.”  But it is how we deal with them that shows maturity.

Again we will see where knowing a portion of God’s word reveals that one is a child. A babe who is unskillful in the word of righteousness, therefore, is easily offended.

For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).

I speak upon this for we all start as babes. Each and every one of us. I was a babe and there were many times I became offended by what was spoken to me, as well, when I spoke unto another babe, they too became offended. What a mess it became. It was like a child daycare center with two arguing over an object. Back and forth, name-calling, and even temper tantrums. I am sure you have seen this on social media.

Offenses Will Come

Let us first address what is meant by “offenses will come”.

Are we told offenses will come, yes we are; And we are told this as well.

• “Offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come”  (Luke 17:1).
• “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones”  (Luke 17:2).
• “Woe unto the world because of offences” (Matthew 18:7).
• “Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh” (Matthew 18:7).

It is not us that will give the “woe” to them, that will be God.

A Warning for Those Offended

Here we see James addressing teachers as those in whom the offense may come through. This warning, if heeded, would quiet many tongues automatically.

To preach, teach, and evangelize is a privilege bestowed and not a position taken. For they are held more accountable than others and will receive the greater condemnation.

But are we, in Christ no longer under condemnation? Yes, that is what God’s word says!

The key to being not under condemnation is spoken with clarity; those who walk after the Spirit. To walk is to abide, to live out, to display, to be righteous; for how can one teach what they have not done.

If we are teaching and doing what we teach against God, then God has these words for you.

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance

The saints at Corinth could have well-taken offense with Paul’s word and I can hear them now.

• “Who does he think he is talking to us like that?”
• “He is just a sinner saved by grace like we are?”
• “How dare he threaten us”
• “This is our church and we will run it as we see fit”
• “We are told to love and not judge”

I am sure the list could be much longer but I will leave it at this and move on.

So will offenses come? Yes mostly by preacher, teachers, and evangelists. Are we to be offended? Many will be and many will not. Can we mature unto the point as to where no man, believer or unbeliever, can offend us? Yes, we can! This comes with time and diligence but it can be.

No One Can Offend Us Anymore

I know that I am not the one they attack, slander, or speak against. It is God. God does not need me to defend Him for God will have his day of vengeance. I am to remain with a quiet Spirit and be the ambassador of Christ that I have been called to be.

You see Paul wrote his epistles not to offend but to nourish and protect the souls of the saints.
He did not write the epistle for the benefit of the one who had done the wrong. Nor for the benefit of
the one who had been wronged.  He wrote it for the saints to see that he cared for them. That, although they were miles apart in flesh, he was there in spirit and he had not forgotten them.

These words “that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you” speak of the movement of
revelation by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 7:12).

Walk in the Spirit

Yes brothers and sisters offenses will come and they will go and we can do nothing about that. It is how we handle them, either by walking in the flesh or by walking in the Spirit, that makes the difference.

I will attest that when we walk in the Spirit, peace never comes and goes. The peace of God will stay.

The world and its ways will offend us. A brother or sister will offend us. When this happens, it is what happens next that glorifies God. God’s grace and blessings unto all who receive this word.