June 18, 2024
Conquering Offense for a Joyful Life – Proverbs 18:19
Listen to last week’s sermon: Conquering Offense for a Joyful Life found in Proverbs 18:19
On Father’s Day, Pastor Eric delivered a sermon addressing an issue that affects everyone—whether fathers or not. The topic, “Conquering Offense for a Joyful Life,” is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and a fulfilling life.
Understanding Offense
The Source of Offense
Pastor Eric began by referencing Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV):
A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
This verse highlights that offense often comes from those closest to us—family, friends, and loved ones. Offenses from these relationships can be particularly painful and challenging to overcome.
Common Causes of Offense
- Unmet Expectations: Expectations can be a significant source of offense. Unrealistic or uncommunicated expectations, especially in close relationships like marriage, often lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment.
- Miscommunication: Misunderstandings and miscommunications can easily lead to offense. It’s essential to communicate clearly and avoid reading too much between the lines.
- Feelings of Injustice: When people feel wronged, disrespected, or betrayed, it can lead to deep-seated offense. This is common in various relationships and situations, including workplaces and friendships.
The Consequences of Holding onto Offense
Pastor Eric emphasized the detrimental effects of harboring offense:
- Opens the Door to the Devil: Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) warns against holding onto anger and giving the devil a foothold. Holding onto offense allows negative influences to take root in our lives.
- Shuts Heaven on Your Life: Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV) makes it clear that forgiveness is essential for receiving God’s forgiveness. Unforgiveness blocks blessings and spiritual growth.
- Saps Your Joy: Offense drains joy, making it difficult to live a fulfilling life. Joy is a crucial aspect of Christian life, providing strength and vitality.
Steps to Overcoming Offense
- Recognize the Source of Offense: Acknowledge that offense often comes from those we care about. Understanding this helps in addressing and resolving the issue.
- Choose Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a deliberate choice.Forgiving others is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining joy.
- Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 advises guarding our hearts, as it influences our actions and attitudes. Protecting our hearts from offense is essential for maintaining peace and joy.
The Joy of Forgiveness
Pastor Eric concluded with several key points about the joy that comes from the Lord that offense will stunt in our lives:
- Joy of Salvation: The assurance of being saved brings immense joy (Psalm 51:12).
- Joy from Walking in the Spirit: Living in accordance with God’s word and will brings joy (Galatians 5:22).
- Joy from God’s Presence: Being in God’s presence fills us with joy (Psalm 16:11).
- Full Measure of Joy: Complete joy comes from asking and receiving from God (John 16:24).
Offense is a significant barrier to living a joyful and fulfilling life. By recognizing its sources, choosing forgiveness, and guarding our hearts, we can overcome offense and experience the fullness of joy that God intends for us. Pastor Eric’s sermon provides valuable insights and practical steps to conquer offense and lead a joyful life.
Watch sermon here:
