A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional 188

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 18:19 ‘A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: And their contentions are like the bars of a castle.’

🔴Offended

Have you ever been offended? Hurt? Mistreated? How did you deal with it? Did you immediately start gossipping about the person and situation? Because let’s be honest, when we are mad, offended, or feel betrayed, we want everyone to stand with us in those emotions.

Vendetta

Our revenge is making as many people dislike the actions and the other person as much as we do. But, we forget that our feelings are temporary. And we can do severe damage not only to the reputation of others but also to our own. The enemy, Satan, doesn’t want you to notice that.

Hebrews 10:17 reads, ‘He also says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will never remember again.” – God puts His laws in the hearts and minds of His people. We are empowered to obey Him. What strikes me about the verses that talk about God’s forgiveness is that it is followed by His wiping our sins away. God sees past our iniquity and into our hearts that long for Him. 

If we are offended or hurt by someone, we have the power at that moment to decide who we will follow.  -God’s command of love or Satan’s command to destroy, kill, and steal. Our words have power as well as our actions. We can allow someone to see Christ or the enemy.

Prayer: Great are You, my heavenly Father. Great is your mighty Name in all the world. You are my joy. In you, I seek comfort. Father, allow your sons and daughters to be slow to speak and slow to anger that we may learn our lessons directly from your Word. Let us sit at your feet and ponder the wonders of your extraordinary character. Let us aspire to be closer to you. Thank your loving-kindness, Amen.