12 Weeks of Prayer Week 8 Day 7

12 Weeks of Prayer Week 8 Day 7

GIVE NO OFFENSE

By Pastor Mike Heil

The Unapologetic Theologian

"Give no offense either to the Jews

or to Greeks or to the church of God."

1 Corinthians 10:32

We live in a day and age where taking offense has become a science. People have intentionally limited themselves by identifying with a group. White males, women, Latinos, Blacks, environmentalists, Democrats, Republicans constantly fill the news reports. Everyone wants their recognition and rights, or they start demeaning those who don’t give proper homage. If we try, we all can find something every day which could offend us. Sadly, this seems to be hotwired into our culture today. We see it on television, we hear it on the news, it is spoken around the water cooler, and, even Christians, can develop this attitude. If not careful, we start identifying as Baptist, Catholics, Pentecostals, and become offended if other church members do not agree with our position theologically.

However, God reveals to us an entirely different attitude. He tells us protecting our rights and demanding our way is not important to God. My rights and your rights, my dignity and your dignity, my life and your life were established two thousand years ago when Jesus walked out of the grave alive. With sin and sickness lying dead in the grave and demons cowering in his wake, He conferred on us all we would need for eternity. No, we should not strive for our rights or reputation; in Christ we are children of God. Why stoop to be identified by any earthly group?

Not only are we free to not take offense, but God wants us to not give offense. He wants us to act to bring His peace and harmony into the lives of all mankind. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” We should endeavor to minister and sacrifice for all. And, thanks be to Christ, He has placed us in the ideal training ground to be such a blessing. In the church, we are surrounded by brothers and sisters who have the same spirit in them. In a climate of love, we can learn to not take offense. We can learn how to not give offense. May the Lord give us grace today to live peaceably with all around us.

Praise & Worship: Because He lives I can face tomorrow - YouTube

All our videos can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnl7LP9Tn37GtuTPqnI0USw

Subscribe to our blog at www.threadofhope.org/subscribe

Check out our E-Magazine at www.threadofhope.org/everyday-life