Me

Me, Offended?

In the first lesson we learned that: Our Response to an Offense Determines our Future. We also learned about the two types of offended people, and that offenses are not avoidable, but the key is in how we handle the offense.

Massive Offense

In the second lesson we learned : An offended Christian is one who takes in life but because of fear, cannot release it. We learned about the walls people put up to protect themselves from further hurt after being offended, and how it can lead us down a road of destruction.

How Could This Happen to Me?

In the third lesson we learned: If the Devil could destroy us whenever he wanted to, he would have wiped us out a long time ago. We studied the life of Joseph and the ability he had to be offended with his brothers.

My Father, My Father

In the fourth lesson we looked at : It is one thing to experience rejection and malice from a brother or sister, but it is entirely different to experience rejection and malice from a father. We looked at David’s relationship to Saul, who was like a father to him.

How Spiritual Vagabonds Are Born

In the fifth lesson we learned: It is righteous for God to avenge His servants. It is unrighteous for God’s servants to avenge themselves. We talked about God’s use of corrupt leaders, and how some people will move from church to church trying to avoid hurt, but are left with no root system.

Hiding From Reality

In the sixth lesson we learned: Acquiring an offense keeps you from seeing your own character flaws because blame is deferred to another.

The Sure Foundation

In the seventh lesson we learned: What we learn in the presence of God cannot be learned in the presence of men. We learned to stand on God’s Word and His will.

All That Can Be Shaken Will Be Shaken

In the eighth lesson we learned: When the enemy shakes, it is to destroy. But God has a different purpose. Satan looks to destroy us, but God allows the shaking so that we can shake off those things which hold us back from Him and His will.

The Rock of Offense

In the ninth lesson we learned: Jesus did not compromise truth in order to keep people from being offended. Many things Jesus said upset people, but He stuck to truth at all times.

Lest We Offend Them

In the tenth lesson we learned: Jesus offended some people by obeying His Father, but He never caused an offense in order to assert His own rights. We learned that we shouldn’t do things, just because we don’t feel convicted. Sometimes, we need to refrain from doing something to keep someone else from sinning.

Forgiveness: You Don’t Give ~ You Don’t Get

In the eleventh lesson we covered: A person who cannot forgive has forgotten how great a debt God has forgiven them. God will forgive us with the same forgiveness we show others.

Revenge: The Trap

In the twelfth lesson we learned: We are to be so far removed from avenging ourselves that we willingly risk being taken advantage of again.

Escaping The Trap

In the 13th lesson we learned: You grow more from the most challenging offenses -- the ones for which you have not been trained. Sometimes we must go through repeated acts of forgiveness as well as praying for the person who’s offended us in a way that we would pray for ourselves.

Objective: Reconciliation

In our last lesson we learned: It is more important to help a stumbling brother then to prove yourself correct. We talked about reconciliation with our brother or sister.

Taking Action

As you have gone through this study, the Spirit of the Lord may have reminded you of relationships in the past or present in which you have held something against others. We are going to pray a prayer together.

Before we pray, ask the Holy Spirit to walk with you through your past, bringing before you any people against whom you have held something. Stay quiet before Him as He shows you who they are. You do not need to hunt for something that is not there. He will clearly bring them up to where you will not doubt it. As He does, you may remember the pain you experienced. Don’t be afraid. He will be right there at your side comforting you.

As you release these people from blame for what they have done to you, picture each of them individually. Forgive each one personally. Cancel the debt they owe you. Then pray this prayer, but don’t be limited to these words. Use this as a guideline and be led by the Spirit of God.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by not forgiving those who have offended me. I repent of this and ask Your forgiveness.

I also acknowledge my inability to forgive them apart from You. Therefore, from my heart I choose to forgive. [Insert their names -- release each one individually.] I bring under the blood of Jesus all that they have done wrong to me. They no longer owe me anything. I remit their sins against me.

Heavenly Father, as my Lord Jesus asked You to forgive those who had sinned against him, I pray that Your forgiveness will come to those who have sinned against me.

I ask that You will bless them and lead them into a closer relationship with Yourself. Amen.

Now write the names of the people you have released in a journal and record that on this day you made a decision to forgive them.

You may have to exercise to stay free from offense. (Re-read lesson 13 if you don’t understand this statement.) Make a commitment to pray for them as you would pray for yourself. The journal will help you remember. If thoughts continue to bombard your mind, cast them down with the Word of God and declare your decision to forgive. you have asked for God’s grace to forgive, and unforgiveness is not as powerful as His grace. Be bold and fight the good fight of faith.

When you know your heart is strong and settled, go to them. Remember that you are going for the purpose of reconciliation for their benefit, not your own. By doing this you will seal the victory. You’ll win a brother (see Matthew 18:15). This is well pleasing in the sight of God.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and Majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. ~ Jude 24-25