Beware of Offences

Acts 24:16 KJV – And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

There are two main ways offences manifest;

1. Offence towards God and
2. Offence towards men

There are many causes of offence, but let’s discuss a few.

1. Some are offended in the Lord, because of delays to miracles and breakthroughs they expect. Matthew 11:2-6 KJV reads “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, [3] and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? [4] Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: [5] the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [6] And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.“
2. Others are offended because of hope deferred. The Bible says “hope deferred makes the heart sick”.
3. Most are offended because they have set up their own righteousness. They have their own way in which they expect things to happen. Romans 9:32-33 KJV says “Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [33] as it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
   
   1 Peter 2:7-8 KJV also says “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, The stone which the builders disallowed, The same is made the head of the corner, [8] and A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”
4. Many are offended by others, people of the faith, because they have very high expectations of people.

If you really want to overcome offences, what you need is to exercise daily. You must exercise yourself; intentionally decide that:

1. You will treat people as Jesus Christ treated you.
2. You will pray for those who despitefully use you.
3. You will minimise your expectations of people. Humans are humans. Don’t expect too much from people. Don’t enter my office and feel free because you think I am a pastor. Please, when you come to my space, protect yourself. I was a man before God came to live in me.
4. Don’t make room for haunting thoughts and imaginations. Think more positively as Christ would.
5. Give permission for mistakes and make room for offence.

Stay blessed and be aware of offences. The Lord is coming and coming very soon for a church without blemish.

Amen