The Spirit of Offense and Un-forgiveness
As the world seeks approval for their personal opinions of the Trayvon vs. Zimmerman court decision, many believers may find themselves in the same place as some unbelievers who have judgmental spirits. Seasoned saints and Pastors alike, need to be careful of Satan’s second-best battle plan, which is non-forgiveness. If we would only realize the weight of the threat mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel to the believer, we would pray that our hearts not become contaminated with offense.
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! (490 x a person)
(Mat 18:21-22 NLT)
This entire 18th Chapter of Matthew is about Christ’s teachings to his disciples on the matters of un-forgiveness. At the end of the chapter, Yeshua (Jesus) threatens his disciples. He warns them that our Heavenly Father will allow negative circumstances to take place concerning this spirit.
34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
(Mat 18:34-35 NLT)
Offense
It’s a matter of the heart and we the believers must guard our emotions in every way. While we can disagree on matters, let our disagreement be seasoned with grace. Moreover, let the Holy Spirit rule your hearts – knowing when and how to answer, or if you should even give an answer.
At the end of the day, let everyone see the love of Christ that you have, even the love for your enemies.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation– the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ– for this will bring much glory and praise to God (Phi 1:9-11 NLT).