At first glance it seems that most people were impressed with Jesus. He was a great communicator, full of wisdom, large crowds followed him around. He was a strong leader who displayed power in performing miracles and said amazing things. But it never seemed to last...
"Jesus... returned to Nazareth, his hometown... he began teaching in the Synagogue and many who heard him were amazed... then they scoffed..."
(Mark 6:1-4)
Sooner or later, what Jesus did and where He was from caught up to Him. All of a sudden Jesus vocation as well as His location disqualified Him in the eyes of many. The miracles were forgotten and His words ignored. All that mattered now was what they could criticize Him about and for.
I think that often happens for anyone who steps up and leads. In any form of leadership there will be those who will initially be enamored with you. They will listen, encourage and follow you until they learn about where you come from and what you've done or haven't done.
Most of the time it will be the religious people. Religious people have a real knack for getting 'deeply offended' and offense always fuels unbelief (see Mark 6:3). It's true. Think about it. You will never believe or follow someone who you allow yourself to be offended by. That is why offense is one of the greatest tactics of the enemy. If the Devil can get you living with offense he will easily put you in a position of unbelief.
"I can't believe that church didn't help that person"
"I can't believe that I should have to forgive them for what they did.'
"I can't believe that God would allow them to suffer."
The list of descriptions and reasons to be offended are endless - but they all result in one thing: Unbelief in a person, situation, or God.
A person who chooses to live with offense, no matter how much they spritualize their stance will at some point be offended with God Himself. I know this because the Bible tells us that God is perfect and full of truth - which automatically sets me up to be offended by Him. Anyone who is perfect and always tells the truth is sure to offend those of us who fall short. Yet God is never insensitive, condescending or insincere. When we allow ourselves to be offended it is because we have become insensitive, condescending and insincere.
If you are living with offense today you need to know that you do not have to live that way. You can live your life 'offense free!" Simply give your offense to Jesus and make the choice not to hold it anymore. Choose to forgive that person and move on. This means no longer talking about the offense or harboring it in your heart. You choose to free that person from what they did or what you think they did. If you do need to talk about it - then make sure you talk only to the person who has offended you.
Whatever choice you make puts you on the edge of a spiritual breakthrough where you can experience the joy of belief in an awesome God and in those who God has placed in your path. Don't let offense drain you of belief, rather be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) so that you can live a rich and satisfying life just like He planned (John 10:10).
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