Misinterpreted Intentions
One major cause for many of the offenses that occur is a
lack of understanding behind the true meaning of a person’s actions
or words. In many instances, we believe that we do understand a person’s
motives or intentions. Sometimes, we may be correct. However, there
are times when we couldn’t be more wrong.
Proverbs (the book of wisdom) gives us clear instructions to get an
understanding in EVERYTHING. Understanding normally comes as a
result of effectively communicating or conducting a dialogue with others.
If we take a moment to investigate
a person’s motives and intentions, we may discover that there are many times
that we have flawed interpretations of
different events. For example, in the United States, the “thumbs up”
sign is a sign of approval or
congratulations. However, in some Middle Eastern countries such as
Iran or Afghanistan, the same sign is viewed as an offensive gesture. It has been said by some that perception
is reality but perception is really
assumption. Things are NOT always as they appear.
Gaining an understanding of each situation will alleviate unnecessary conflict and hurt feelings.
The Solution
To overcome and destroy the spirit of offense, one must
practice humility and forgiveness. Many Christians profess to be servants of Christ but
some have missed the main qualification
of servitude. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 Then
Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. He made it
clear that in order to be a follower of His, we must humble ourselves. When we operate out of humility, we have the ability to view situations from the perspective of others. We can see
the turmoil that an individual is experiencing which causes the unhealthy
behaviors. Forgiveness is also
essential in combating the spirit of offense. Peter asked Jesus if he was
only required to forgive his brother of seven offenses. Jesus responded
that he was required to forgive 490 offenses by one individual. When
we forgive offenses, it places us in the position to minister the way that God
desires us to: with love. Then people can receive the necessary counsel to overcome their
inadequacies and hidden pain that stem from the spirit of offense.
Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to
the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against
you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be
reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies,
bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those
who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your
Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and
sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother
sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if
he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to
you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
