“In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2Tim. 2:25-26).
God’s will is for us to escape the snare of the devil. Satan’s plan is for us to be continually in captivity and to live our lives fruitlessly, without hope and without power. Satan tries his best to keep us crippled spiritually because he knows that one Spirit-filled, Bible-believing Christian, walking in the power of God can deal a severe blow to the kingdom of darkness.
One of Satan’s tricks is to snare Christians into being offended. An offended Christian will find that his love will grow cold and that he will become ineffective and powerless. Galatians 5:6 tells us that in order for our faith to work, that we must walk in love. Walking in love means that we are not offended.
Unforgiveness will bring an offense, and offenses bring unforgiveness. This is a cycle that must be broken. Romans 14:21 says, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” This scripture tells us that we are not to cause an offense, but the stumbling and weakness comes upon the offended party.
When you become offended, you will notice a darkness come over your life. Being offended will cause depression, and obsession with the offense. An offended person will always bring the conversation with their friends to the subject of the offense that they are harboring. This should not be.
God has a better plan for His children. We must break this cycle. We must live offense free.
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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 twelve 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.