Article Ten
Becoming Unoffendable
There may be times we feel overlooked, unheard, unseen, or our expectations are unfulfilled. Maybe someone else receives what we need, want or desire. Our pride may be attacked or our opinions and beliefs are challenged. We may believe that our minds, characters, or our hearts are being mocked or criticised. If we are treated unfairly then it's possible that we can feel justified in the rising up of our offended heart and mind. However, if we allow ourselves to remain in this attitude, we open the door to pain, unforgiveness, pride. this can sometimes lead to our rebellion, stubbornness, hardness of heart, and bitterness.
“Love overlooks the mistakes of others.” Proverbs 17:9 (TPT)
As our hearts are nourished in truth, we find it possible to choose His love and kindness. We resist any murmur of fear, pride or self-preservation that attempts to draw us away from our resolve to choose this path. The more we are settled inside by God’s love, then the frequency of His affection that resounds over every human heart is clearer and stronger. In this place we no longer hear the mantra of our old self or the irritating buzz of the enemy’s lies that were once so familiar to us.
His powerful love fills our every need and supersedes anything that we feel is lacking. We discover we are nourished, valued and protected, as we rest inside of God's heart. Our identity is secure, and we are validated by who Christ says we are. This results in a settled heart and mind. From this vantage point we perceive the truth of the situation and the heart of the offender. What ensues is the opportunity to offer compassion, kindness and the benefit of the doubt. Christ offers us the chance to look past the offence and to understand the bigger picture. Holy Spirit reveals this ‘bigger picture’ to those hearts that are willing to see. Can this be us?
Now we see that we have changed our mind, opinions, and our beliefs. Our characters match God’s. We move on from navigating offence, pain, lies and unforgiveness to not only living unoffended as a choice, but we become unoffendable. We become like Christ!
“Hatred keeps old quarrels alive, but love draws a veil over every insult and finds a way to make sin disappear.” Proverbs 10:12. “A wise person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense...Sweet favor is like a gentle, refreshing rain”” Proverbs 19:11-12 “Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failure of others devastates friendships.” Proverbs 17:9 (TPT)
I have lived in these verses for many years and it has been a long and arduous battle to overcome. Even recently I had the choice to be offended. It was in that moment when the old mantra rose up to accuse, trying to convince me that I was being treated unfairly. Holy Spirit spoke gently and firmly to me, reminding me to not make assumptions or to judge. Upon investigation it was found that I was indeed mistaken. The sneaky liar was trying it on again, but my friend Holy Spirit empowered me to shut Him down with the truth, and my resolve to not choose offence!
Christ desires us to live unoffendable, so that there is no blockage to the love and mercy that He desires to pour into our hearts, and out through our lives. When we rise above offence and judgement, listening to His truth, we discover our ability to love and bring liberty to those that once offended us. We set them free to be a ‘work in progress’, just as we are. The enemy loses ground as we simply choose love!
Lastly, consistently remind yourself of this truth; “Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ. And as Christ himself is seen for who He really is, who you really are will also be revealed, for you are now one with him in His glory! Colossians 3:3-4 (TPT)