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, blocking a path for someone else. It is more on their faith and believing that God is, Jesus is and life is. 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.
Offences can take various forms, ranging from subtle slights to overt actions. Offence can come through communication, both conscious and unconscious. But then the Bible says in Romans 5:14that an offence committed in ignorance or willful ignorance is just as abominable as one done with knowledge.
For example, a person may make a disparaging remark about someone’s appearance or intelligence, or they may make a gesture that is considered offensive. Even something as seemingly innocuous as a tone of voice or a facial expression can be interpreted as offensive.
In some cases, the offender may be aware that they are offending, but they may do so intentionally to hurt or intimidate the other person. In other cases, the offender may not be aware that they are offending, and they may be genuinely surprised or upset when the other person reacts negatively.
No matter how it is communicated, offence can have a significant impact on the recipient. It can damage relationships, cause emotional distress, and even lead to physical violence. It is important to be aware of the potential for offence and to take steps to avoid causing it.
What does the Bible note on offence
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (NIV): “But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?
So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.” Paul addresses the issue of using one’s freedom in a way that might cause stumbling for those whose faith is weaker.
So, for as much as we want to live freely and show it is okay for us to live a certain way, being considerate of who is around us but mostly being conscious of what the Holy Spirit is teaching is crucial. As humans, we all have those moments. And yes, we will always have those moments where we want to be, do, act and speak our minds. But let’s always remember that, when we are saved we are taught how to walk. And that is among the people God is sending us to. Thus, not everything we can or are free to do though, they are legal.
Some of the verses on how to live with others include; Matthew 18:15, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 17:9, Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 17:3-4, 1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:17-19, Proverbs 12:16, 1 Corinthians 10:23-.
In addition
You wouldn’t want to be pushing clotted blood if you were the heart, would you?
Karah ^ ^
“We are allowed to do all things,” but not all things are good for us to do. “We are allowed to do all things,” but not all things help others grow stronger. Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others also. As a body together, may we choose and live to better ourselves connected, like the body’s organs? You wouldn’t want to be pushing clotted blood if you were the heart, would you?
Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do not ask questions about it. You may eat it, “because the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it.” Those who are not believers may invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions about it.
But if anyone says to you, “That food was offered to idols,” do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and because eating it might be thought to be wrong. I don’t mean you think it is wrong, but the other person might.
But why, you ask, should my freedom be judged by someone else’s conscience? If I eat the meal with thankfulness, why am I criticized because of something for which I thank God?
The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God. Never do anything that might hurt others. That is—Jews, Greeks, or God’s church— just as I, also, try to please everybody in every way. I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people so they can be saved.
