Mark 11:25, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Colossians 3:13, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
How do you react when you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are right, and another person is wrong? The person may be displaying domineering and dictating words. Maybe they are a manipulator, intimidator, and you were offended. You heard your own perspective in the offensive situation first, in being annoyed, right? It might have gone deeper and caused you to feel rejected. Fear and despair may have set in. But when you look up the word “offended” in almost any dictionary source, the definition always has to do with anger and resentment, which we know as Christians is wrong and sinful. So, can I get to the point and forfeit the right to be offended? It comes down to being obedient in putting off (Mark 11:25) having an unforgiving spirit and putting on (Col. 3:13) a forgiving spirit when seemingly hurtful and overly critical words are said to us. Jesus taught and warned us in Matthew 6:14, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” How would you say this speaks to being offended by someone? What are we entitled to? Can we choose not to be offendable? That seems like such a stretch sometimes.
Sinful and hurtful people hurled spiteful words at Jesus on the cross. Yet He never sinned and declared, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. Jesus had compassion on the people responsible for His suffering and prayed for their forgiveness. Some believed and others remained living as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny was destruction and is a fact for all those who deny Christ. What lesson can we apply from this today?
Will I trust God to handle all my frustrations and quit rehearsing in my mind what that other person did or said to me, as Psalm 46:1 promises, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Then verse 11 commands, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Let God have the last word, as Brant Hansen, (Page 79) said in his book, “Un-Offendable” – “I’m not responsible for changing people’s lives. I’m responsible for faithfully loving them. As a believer, that means pointing them to a God who dearly wants them, and for whom I happen to know they yearn.” Forgive, as God’s mercy and grace have forgiven you. Pray for the salvation of those who have offended you and that the gospel will be heard, known, and understood by the working of the Holy Spirit.
So “put off” an unforgiving spirt and “put on” a forgiving spirit. Let God worry about the wrong you’ve suffered. God does not require a probationary period when He forgives us – remember that. Be renewed in God transforming (Rom. 12:1-2) your heart and mind into a new person that is being continually sanctified in becoming more like Christ. Let Christ fill the holes in your heart with love, and removing any vengeance and selfish pride. Seek to be a peacemaker, and when you pray remember the warning in Mark 11:25 and Colossians 3:13. May you too say, No more! No more being offended-release that burden. Let go of hurts, abandon grudges, resentments and anger, and forgive others. Replace your thoughts (recognize who they are coming from) with Biblical truths such as, God knows your name (Isaiah 43:1), Mark 11:25, and Colossians 3:13. Then say out loud, “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.” Ps. 119:98.
Listen to Mercy Me – Always Only Jesus (Official Live Video).