Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Being offended, in a biblical context, refers to experiencing a sense of hurt, anger, or resentment due to perceived insults, injustices, or violations of personal beliefs or values. The concept of offense is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, often highlighting the spiritual and relational implications of taking offense.
Old Testament Insights:The Hebrew Scriptures frequently address the idea of offense in terms of stumbling or causing others to stumble.
Leviticus 19:14, for example, warns against putting a stumbling block before the blind, which can be understood metaphorically as causing someone to fall into sin or error. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often advises against quickness to anger, which can be a result of taking offense.
Proverbs 19:11 states, "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense."
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament provides further guidance on handling offenses, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus' teachings in the Gospels often address the issue of offense directly. In
Matthew 18:7 , Jesus states, "Woe to the world for the offenses! For it is necessary that offenses come, but woe to the man by whom the offense comes!" This highlights the inevitability of offenses but also the responsibility of individuals to avoid causing them.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the importance of reconciliation, urging believers to settle matters quickly with those who have something against them (
Matthew 5:23-24). This underscores the priority of maintaining harmonious relationships over harboring offenses.
Pauline Epistles:The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of offense in his letters, particularly in the context of Christian liberty and community life. In
Romans 14:21 , Paul advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the consciences of others and avoiding actions that might lead them into sin or distress.
Paul also speaks to the personal handling of offenses in
Ephesians 4:31-32 , urging believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and kindness in overcoming offenses.
Practical Application:The biblical approach to being offended involves a combination of personal responsibility, forgiveness, and a commitment to peace. Believers are encouraged to be slow to take offense, quick to forgive, and diligent in seeking reconciliation. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide a framework for navigating offenses in a way that reflects the love and grace of God.
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges the reality of offenses, it consistently points believers toward a response characterized by forgiveness, understanding, and a commitment to unity. By following these principles, Christians are called to rise above personal grievances and contribute to the building up of the body of Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 18:19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Topicalbible.orgMatthew 26:33
Peter answered and said to him, Though all men shall be offended because of you, yet will I never be offended.
Topicalbible.org
Library
GodBeing Offended by These Things, and Especially by the...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter III. Godbeing offended
by these things, and especially by the wickedness of mankind?...
That the Gods could not beOffended by the Adultery of Paris, this...
... Book III. Chapter 3."That the Gods Could Not BeOffended by the Adultery
of Paris, This CrimeBeing So Common Among Themselves....
How St Francis Delivered the Brother Who,Being in Sin, had Fallen...
... They remained, however, on the watch, until one day a certain brotherbeing offended
by another, thought in his heart how he could accuse and do him harm....
The Offence of the Pharisees.
... And He said this, the Phariseesbeing offended at this saying, as, because of their
evil opinions and their worthless interpretation of the law, they were not...
Peter as a Stumbling-Block to Jesus.
... For some one will say, if this is said in the prophet, because of the steadfastness
of those who have love, and are incapable ofbeing offended, for "love...
Mahomet.
... Some of the Arabsbeing offended at the new teaching, wanted to put him
to death; and he fled from his home at Mecca. On his way...
The Son in Union with the Father in the Creation of all Things...
... And to prevent theirbeing offended at this fact, we give a reason why they are
not said to be two Gods and two Lords, but that they are two as Father and Son...
On Repentance
... mind and heart from evil to good, proceeding from godly sorrow." It is also "sorrow
after the commission of sin on account of Godbeing offended, and through...
The Trinity
... Take away the distinction of the persons in the Trinity, and you overthrow man's
redemption; for God the Fatherbeing offended with man for sin, how shall he...
Justice and the Reason of Effects
... Savages laugh at an infant king. 3. Inbeing offended at a blow, or in desiring
glory so much. But it is very desirable on account...
Resources
In what ways is being a Christian difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a good student? | GotQuestions.orgIs being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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