Beware of the spirit of offense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6pkfyNKL-U

Today's devotion, Beware of the spirit of offense. Be careful of the spirit of offense. It hears things that were never said.

It perceives an insult when none was given. People who are easily offended may be offended by the truth because the truth is an offense but it is not a sin. Being offended is a choice.

The moment you let someone else's words upset you, you have allowed them to get the better of you. We all have choices and we sometimes make choices that benefit others but it doesn't benefit us. If you become a guarantor for someone who isn't trustworthy, you may find yourself on the inside looking out and not on the outside looking in.

The word no can offend more people than the word yes. If someone tells you no to protect their character from being smeared because of your dishonesty, you shouldn't be offended because they are using wisdom. But if they tell you yes to please you, even though they are aware of your mendacious behavior, they must be prepared to deal with the consequences.

God sees an offense to those who mislead the righteous but the devil takes an offense when his plans to manipulate them are destroyed by God's intervention. Sensible people control their temper. They earn respect when they do not make a mountain out of a molehill because of an offense.

In 1 Peter 2 verse 21 to 23 it is written, For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow his steps. Who committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth? Who when he was reviled in return, when he suffered he did not threaten but committed himself to him who judges righteously. In Matthew 18 verse 7 it is written, Woe to the world because of offenses for offenses must come but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.

Heavenly Father you said in your word that we should not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Lord I take authority over every spirit of offense to distract me. I declare I will not be easily offended by words and actions.

Give me the strength to love my enemies and pray for those who have hurt me. Surround me with your discernment so that I can walk in peace not strife and not be misled by the devil's plans.

All these we ask in Jesus name. Amen.