Have you ever noticed that offended people are never treated quite good enough and that they seem to move from relationship to relationship? Offended Christians seem to move from church to church or from church to no church.
How can we solve this problem? The answer is easier than the solution, but the answer is simply this. We must remove and eliminate offenses from our lives.
Years ago, I had a friend who was offended at his family. Years earlier he had quit attending family reunions and would always stay away, especially on the holidays. He was so offended that you could hardly talk to him about his family without him getting an attitude.
One day in casual conversation when it seemed like the time was right (by the way with offended people you always have wait until the time is right), I asked him what it was that his family had done to hurt him so severely. To his own astonishment, he couldn’t remember what it was that had created this turmoil in his life.
Even sadder was the fact that his entire immediate family, his two sons and daughter, had not grown up knowing their grandparents and aunts and uncles. Because of one man’s offense, an entire family suffered.
Becoming offended develops into unforgiveness and grows into a root of bitterness. Then pride steps in and will not allow the offended person to forgive.
The Bible tells us that pride is not of God. In fact, it is a characteristic of Satan. Satan’s pride caused him to rise up and rebel against God. Because of his pride, he wouldn’t back down, so God cast him down.
To harbor an offense and not allow the Holy Spirit to minister forgiveness through us, is rebellion and pridefulness.
The Bible tells us that God resists the proud and exalts the humble. (1 Peter 5:6) Don’t allow pride in your life to hinder you from releasing the offense that has bound you for years. It takes humility to forgive. Pride never forgives.
Humble yourself, forgive, let go of the offense and receive God’s blessings for your life.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.