From time to time we as Christians find ourselves on the wrong side of an offense and cause someone hurt. At times its an action, sometimes its words, sometimes its a lack of an action or words. It really doesnt matter if it is intentional or not it is the reality of our life, we will offend people. It is not in our hearts to bring hurts or at least shouldnt be to hurt someone. Sometimes its cultural differences and sometimes it is out of ignorance of someone’s feelings. I personally have in the last 30 years been guilty of offending people because I am very open and dont hide anything. I have chosen to live this way because as a pastor/leader it has proven impossible to Not offend. I will say that I never intend to offend or hurt, It is never preplanned it just happens. I think we will all do or say something that unintentionally offends someone else because no two people see things the same. Offenses and how they are dealt with can make or break a relationships, ministry or even a family. Thankfully God has given us a biblical way of dealing with offenses and trust me it is the very best way because it is Gods way. If I have offended you in any way I ask your forgiveness and I mean that from my heart. The reality is the more authority that we are given the more closely we are watched. This makes leaders very vulnerable and visible on everything we do or say and that is part of leadership that we all have to live with. When I was growing up cards, TV, games, sports, roller skating, love songs and many other things offended people. It was really hard to live for God and please people. I remember growing bitter and frustrated at the demands people were making on me as a young minister to like what they like and believe what they believe. I came to a point where I felt like giving up on ministry. Thank God that I have grown to a place where I can keep things balanced.... Not perfect but balanced. I discovered a scripture that I have been living by and teaching for many years and it is as follows.... Matthew 18:15-17 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. If every one of us would follow this biblical protocol for offences we would see a real healing in the body of Christ, in families and ministries. God bless you
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 20:50:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015