Today, we will be discussing how to deal with offense. We all have experienced being offended at some point in our lives, whether it was intentional or unintentional. However, how we respond to offense can have a significant impact on our relationships and spiritual growth.

Let us begin with a funny story to lighten the mood. Once, there was a man who was easily offended by everything. His friends decided to play a prank on him by setting up a fake situation where he would be offended. When the man fell for the prank, his friends revealed the truth and told him that he needed to learn to not take everything so seriously.

Let us turn to the Bible to see what it says about dealing with offense. In Proverbs 19:11, we read, "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." This means that when we choose to overlook an offense, we are displaying wisdom and it brings glory to God.

Let us look at some examples from the Bible where people chose to respond to offense in a positive manner.

First, we have the story of Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy, but Joseph chose to forgive them and even helped them during a famine.

Next, we have the story of Jesus. He was constantly mocked, insulted, and eventually crucified, yet he chose to forgive those who offended him and even prayed for them.

Another example is the story of Stephen. He was stoned to death for preaching the Gospel, but even in his final moments, he prayed for his attackers.

In each of these stories, we see people who chose to respond to offense in a positive manner, whether it was through forgiveness, prayer, or helping others.

Let us now look at some applicable verses that can guide us in dealing with offense:

Proverbs 17:9 - "Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." When we choose to overlook an offense and foster love, we are able to maintain close relationships.

Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." When we choose to forgive others, we are following the example of Jesus and it brings glory to God.

Matthew 18:15 - "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Sometimes it may be necessary to address the offense in a loving and respectful manner.

Proverbs 12:16 - "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." When we choose to overlook an insult, we are displaying wisdom and it brings glory to God.

Luke 6:27-28 - "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." When we choose to love and pray for those who offend us, we are following the example of Jesus and it brings glory to God.

It can be difficult to not be offended, especially when the offense is intentional. However, as Christians, we are called to respond with love, forgiveness, and prayer. Let us follow the examples of Joseph, Jesus, and Stephen, who chose to respond to offense in a positive manner. Let us also remember the applicable verses that guide us in dealing with offense and trust in God's plan for our relationships and spiritual growth.

In closing, I invite anyone who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to come forward and make that decision today. As we strive to follow God's will and respond to offense in a positive manner, we will experience peace and joy in our relationships and in our lives. Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today asking for your guidance in dealing with offense. Help us to respond with love, forgiveness, and prayer, even in difficult situations. Give us the wisdom to overlook insults and foster love in our relationships. We thank you for the examples of Joseph, Jesus, and Stephen, who chose to respond to offense in a positive manner. Help us to follow their example and bring glory to your name. We ask all these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

May God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you as you go forth to love and forgive others. Remember, when we choose to respond to offense in a positive manner, we are bringing glory to God and fostering love in our relationships. Let us continue to grow in our faith and walk boldly and confidently in Christ. Amen.