I want to dispel a very common misconception about abuse and offense. Contrary to what most people think, removing yourself from an abusive situation doesn’t necessarily mean you are offended or unforgiving.
For example, if your husband beats you, God does not expect you, or your children, to remain in such an environment. And leaving such a horrendous situation does not necessarily mean that you are offended. It is actually possible to leave an abusive situation and not harbor offense toward the abuser.
However, if you leave that situation with hatred or bitterness towards your abuser, then you are in direct disobedience to God’s Word. Jesus did not harbor hatred or bitterness toward those who betrayed Him or nailed Him to the cross. Instead He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus demonstrated His love for the Father by obeying His commandments. First John 5:2-3 says, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
Do you love God? How do you demonstrate your love for God? According to this verse, crying, praying, or even tithing doesn’t prove your love. Instead, your love is proven only when you keep His commandments.
When the Lord said in Matthew 19:19, “Love your neighbor,” He didn’t mean to love only those who love you in return. His commandment to love is without exception.
Choose to prove your love for God by obeying His Word. He has given you the anointing, the grace, and the power to love and live free from offense.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.