BE RESOLUTE: DON’T TAKE OFFENSE

by Tammy Phillips
January 27, 2021

“Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matthew 18:7 NKJV)

Jesus himself warns us about offense in this verse. Sadly, He says that they are coming.

Let’s take heed and discover what offense really is.  Offense in this verse is the Greek word, skandalon, which means:

1. • the movable stick or trigger of a trap
   • any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, a stumbling block

Satan is a liar and he is trying to trap us.  Imagine that?  Satan uses offense to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) He uses it to steal joy.  He uses it to destroy family, friendships, relationships and lives.   He uses offense to divide.  It is our choice whether we take the bait and fall into his trap.  We get to choose how we deal with stumbling blocks.  If we are awake and watching, we can maneuver around the obstacles with God’s help.  We can go over, around or break through, if need be.

One of my son’s got engaged this past weekend, a year ago.  It was the most joyous occasion.  Satan tried to get me offended on the way to the party and when I got home, he tried to strike again.  He tried to mar what God had done. I determined not to let him steal my joy.   It was not his for the taking.  I stood resolute against offense!  

Power thoughts:

I will DO the word.  I will have faith in God’s Word. I will “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. I will…

“Put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (I will) take the whole armor of God, that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand..” (Ephesians 6:10-11, 13)

I enCOURAGE you to not take offense.  It is your choice just like it was and is mine.  I encourage you to do the word and stand against the enemy.  Be resolute!