Session 4

Be Hard To Offend

From Life Hacks

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

When we allow ourselves to be offended it creates feelings of anger, frustration, insecurity, and pride. But when we look at Scripture, we don’t see Jesus being easily offended.

Matthew 27 is full of wrongs done to Jesus. He is betrayed by His friend, beaten, mocked, and killed. Jesus had more of a right to be offended than anyone ever has. But Jesus saw past these wrongs to the heart of the people who wronged Him. He saw past the exterior and found within Him the courage, love, and strength to pray, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Instead of taking the opportunity to be offended or desire revenge, Jesus chose mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

If we want to live the life God has for us, we have to look to Jesus as our example and choose to forgive. We must choose grace over revenge.

You have the ability to choose how you respond to others. Your emotions and actions do not have to be dictated by the sinful actions of others. Choose humility and love over anger and payback.

Prayer

1) Think about how unoffended and forgiving God is to you despite your actions.
2) Ask God to make you a more forgiving person.
3) Consider whether or not there is anybody you have something against and if so, forgive them.