MORE ON OFFENSE. I hate assumptions. Do not assume something about me, ask me. If you want to know about a situation, ask me. If you want to know what I said, ask me. Grow some courage and talk to those who you have a grudge against.
In my now 19 years of full-time ministry, I’ve heard more false accusations about myself and others in the church than the years before Christ when I worked in a bar, where loose lips are in abundance. Here’s a common example, someone has an offense against the pastor. Typically, because he did not do what they wanted him to do (majority of the time, he does not even know what it is you want because you did not have the courage to talk to him). You spread your offense to another who is just as weak.
Instead of telling the offended, “that’s an offense and it’s not of God”; the listener takes on your offense and tells someone else, “do you know what the pastor did?!” And on and on and on causing division and more offense in the Body of Christ. This is a tool of Satan- a kingdom divided cannot stand.
That person who never even had an offense, is eying you suspiciously, believing the lies and accusations of the offended. “An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 The lie becomes truth and the offended builds up walls that no one can penetrate. This is an all too common story.
There are things the Lord hates: division being one. An offended person cannot help but spread his offense and cause division. It is a demonic spirit of pride. They have to let everyone know how they were wronged. And to make matters worse, they justify their offense by accusing the brethren of wrongdoing. The last time someone got offended in our church it caused so much destruction and damage. They spread the lie that the church was “going the wrong way” and they were going to be the one to expose it by telling everyone.
When the truth was they were offended at not getting what they thought they deserved. While I’m at it, you, me and everyone else deserved hell but we got grace. But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love….“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19
How do you rectify an offense? First of all, offense is a choice. Get some courage and stop the spread of another’s offense immediately. Where is your discernment? An offended person is like a vegan- they have to tell everyone. You will know people by their fruit. Recognize the fruit of offense. Will you believe a lie? The enemy preys on the weak and wandering sheep. Do not assume another’s actions; when in doubt, go ask. Just ASK! Genuine communication and conversation kills the enemy. #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
