Tips to Address and Prevent Offences Daily

In this post, I will be writing on tips to overcome offence. If you have been following my post~ Offence is real and it is damaging. An offence is simply an act or a series of acts or actions that lead or cause someone to sin. This is done by creating a stumbling block; being a stumbling block to someone; being a cause of temptation; and tempting someone to miss the mark (sin). It is acting and driving someone away from Christ. In this post, we are on different tips that will help address, deal and counter offence.

Certainly, offences can take various forms, ranging from subtle slights to more overt actions. Offence can come through communication, both conscious and unconscious. But then the Bible says in Romans 5:14 that an offence committed in ignorance or willful ignorance is just as abominable as one done with knowledge.

Tips for dealing with offence

• Be aware of your words and actions – let the Spirit of God guide you in what to speak or do.
• Consider the context in which you are speaking or acting- God should always be the focus and love the purpose
• Be respectful of others’ experiences and perspectives- we all have been through things that can take time to let go or relearn, when led, and pursue but be patient
• Ask questions if you are unsure if something is offensive- gently, in love and godly
• Apologize if you offend someone, offence will come through people, as human we want to pursue what we know and disobey the Spirit, when it happens, repent, renounce and surrender back to God
• Only God’s anger builds, if we are angry because of our views and interests in the matter, we are likely to miss what God is doing, miss our mark and lead others to miss theirs (sin) as well

By following these tips, you can help to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

1 Peter 3:15-16 says But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Finally

As much as the Word stresses in answering, we should always look out and answer kindly. Answering with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience. Answering not in vain, empty competition. But because of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit is reaching out to someone through us as vessels.

Remember, as much as we want to live in peace with everyone, offence will always come. That’s what Jesus said. We are different people, with different views and perceptions, we can agree on some but disagree on many. Getting rooted in the WORD will help us understand. How to live with others, and notice and deal with offence when life brings it our way.

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