Carrying Offenses

One of the greatest enemies of the church walks right in through the front door, bright smiles, and a bubbling personality, at least at first. They join the church, get involved and seam to be a great contributor. Then you find out the rest of the story. When a problem arises, they're gone. They carry their offenses with them as they hop from one church to another.

When you get angry with someone, how do you handle it? Do you immediately take comments personally and get upset? Or do you dig into the statement a bit, making sure you understand what the person is saying, and why they're saying it. It is so easy to take things personal, when they really are not. Proverbs says ...

The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. - Prov 18:17 (NKJV)

We really need to understand, before we take offense. And when we do take offense, do we stuff it and run along to the next church? Or do we take a cup of coffee and a piece of pie to our brother or sister, sit down and say, "Can you help me understand"? Do you try to work it out peacefully?

Ultimately it comes down to whether we are reconcilers or offenses carriers. Christ has reconciled us to God, and He commands us to be reconciled to our brothers and sisters, as far as it is possible with us.

Work it out. Do not carry your offenses around with you.