Are You Offended?

In today’s world, offense abounds on every side. Political correctness now reigns over public discourse with an iron hand destroying anyone who violates another person’s sensibilities. Are you offended? Are you offendable? Offense is the offspring of opinion and judgmentalism. It is said that every person has a right to their own opinion. This may be true, but what does scripture tell us? In Psalm 119:165, we find the following statement:

Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

The word of God is the great discerner. If you are offended, if you are offendable, the word of God suggests, in fact, states that you don’t love His law (His word). I taught on a particular subject one time, and a lady wrote in saying, “if what you teach is so, then my offense knows no bounds!!!” To her mind, her offense was a higher authority than God’s word. In today’s world, feelings, particularly anger, hold a certain authority in people’s minds even above God’s word. God’s word can be interpreted in many ways, but if offense reigns, then the offended person thinks that everything must stop, and all focus should be put upon the offense till their idea of personal justice is satisfied (which is usually not going to happen).

What is wrong with being offended? It reflects a lack of love for God’s law. According to the psalmist, if you love God’s word, you will not be offended. The Greek word corresponding to the Hebrew word for offense here is “skandalon.” Our society feeds on scandal because it draws the public eye and shapes public opinion. Ask yourself, do you want opinion or truth? Opinions produce offense, but God’s truth brings peace, something sorely lacking on our cities’ streets.

The Lord asked me a question one time that went like this “do you want peace or understanding you can’t have both…” When we don’t understand what is going on in our lives, we tend to get fearful or angry. What is the alternative? The peace of God. How do we find peace in the midst of our storm? Loving God’s word.

Do you love God’s word? Things we love and people we love we joyfully spend time with. We can’t get enough of them. Which do you spend more time with – Facebook or the word of God? A little self-examination once in a while is very healthy. Give yourself a checkup. The dominant narrative in your life determines what happens next in your life. Make a decision in your life to put immaturity (the flesh) in check and start showing your love for God’s word once again in your life. It will pay into your situations the dividends of God’s peace, keeping you from offense and positioning you for God’s blessing.