OFFENCES

Offence can be defined as an annoyance or resentment brought by an actual or perceived insult. This means apart from an offence being evident, it can also be as a result of our judgment or interpretation of an event. Most of the time the product of offences is hurt.

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won [back] than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

An important question would be, can we avoid being offended or offending others? Is offence not a part of everyday relationships? If God and Kings can be offended, so is it wrong for me to be offended and besides some people intentionally create the offence? Follow through for answers.

Genesis 6:6

The Lord regretted that he had made humankind on the earth, and he was highly offended.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

Genesis 34:7

Now Jacob’s sons had come in from the field when they heard the news. They were offended and very angry because Shechem had disgraced Israel by sexually assaulting Jacob’s daughter, a crime that should not be committed.

Genesis 40:1

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

2 Samuel 6:8

David became angry and grieved and offended because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah, and that place has been called Perez-Uzzah (outburst against Uzzah) to this day.

Matthew 15:12

Then the disciples came to him and asked, Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?

There are different types of offences, some are subjected to punishment by law while others are not. This write-up addresses offences in relationships (family & friends), at the workplace, and in the church.

OFFENCE IN THE FAMILY

Offence does occur in a family, between husband and wife (such as adultery, marital rape, domestic abuse, being disrespectful, not agreeing together on matters, cases of irresponsibility, issues due to change in financial circumstances, etc.), between parents and their children (such as physical abuse, disobedience, disagreement on issues, etc.), between siblings, and between extended families. This type of offence is unhealthy because it tends to affect the other family members and puts them in a fix, if not resolved early.

Ephesians 4:26

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

OFFENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Although some workplaces have an ombudsman to resolve conflict and disciplinary departments to handle cases of misbehaviours, a lot of people do not get justice for ill-treatments that have warranted the buildup of offences in them. Offence in the workplace can be between the employer and employee or between an employee and another employee. Whichever it is, it can create tension in a workplace that hampers productivity, worst if the employer is the offender, showing no remorse/intention to change because of the power he or she has. Concerning this type of offence, a lot of people feel there is little they can do to change things, especially if it is coming from top management. Some common offence in the workplace is physical, emotional, or sexual assault, intimidation, theft, fraud, insubordination, intentional damage to company property, unauthorised absenteeism, etc.

OFFENCE IN THE CHURCH

This cannot be brushed aside as it is a body that Christians especially build relationships from. The church is an important part of a Christian’s life where the practice of love is expected but unfortunately, we still have cases of offence that create hurts in people’s lives.

Some of these offences can be as a result of the following:

Absurd expectations from the church: Some people want the church to provide what even their government cannot give them. Some want constant attention from the Pastor etc. Rather put your expectations in God. Pastors are human and they can make mistakes as well.

Psalms 62:5

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.

People personalize everything that is being preached: Not all Pastors centers their preaching on people’s life although every preaching aims to sharpen us to be better, most of the time, the teachings is inspired by the Holy Spirit. When the Lord is dealing with us with His Word, it may seem like the pastor is speaking directly to us. The best attitude is to accept His correction and not be defensive.

Some people get caught up in other people’s offenses: When a brother or sister comes to you about another fellow in the church who has offended them, love, and encourage them, reserve your opinion, and do not take sides because it can create a wrong unnecessary atmosphere in the church. Sometimes the offended pour their hurt out to those who will listen and support them, and in turn, take up their offence against the offender.

Psalm 15:1–3

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.

Proverbs 6:16–19

These six things does the Lord hate: 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.

Trusting in the wrong people: Trust must be earned and not assumed.

Blaming the church for personal issues

Mistreatment

Lack of a teachable heart: Some people just do not want to be corrected for wrongdoing else they would leave the church.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Some get offended by God because of unanswered prayers or request.

Luke 7:23

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!

You can also check my previous story here.

Dan Moore Kris Gage Wake Up Call P.S. I Love You @writingsolo