KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:7 (KJV). “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!”

An offence is a feeling of anger or pain caused by a contrary action of another. In our key scripture the Lord said woe to the world because of offences. Offences create pain anger and in certain occasions bitterness. Offences may result in counter actions that causes more pain Offences indeed complicates people’s life.

WHY would offences surely come? The root cause of offence is selfishness. When men place love for themselves before love for God. This is selfishness “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” -2 Timothy 3:2 (KJV)Selfishness makes men to seek their own interest against that of others. Every hurt men inflict on their fellow men is rooted in this.

There are a number of Christian homes which are boiling with pain anger, suspicions and bitterness. All these are signs of putting the Holy Spirit aside in various things they do. Beloved, this should not happen to you. This Christian must not be led by the flesh, but by the Spirit.

 The Lord concluded that verse by saying, woe to the one who causes the offence. Dear brother or sister, are you the one offending your neighbour? Be very sincere with yourself. Please you are never safe when you are a creator of offences. Sadly, there are many who justify their grounds in causing pain to others. Dear one, if you are justifying your grounds, in hurting another, then pride is blinding your eyes from seeing the deep pit ready to swallow you up.

Beloved there is no peace for anyone who gives sorrow to others.  If you know   your words or actions have hurt another, please kill your pride by accepting you did not act rightly.

DO not justify your actions, just tell the person, you are sorry. The rest is left with that individual to accept your apology or not

PRAYER

Father I pray for families and people living with offence to receive the ability to overcome the pain and also for those causing the pain to make proper amends. This I ask in Jesus’ name.

FURTHER STUDIES

 Philippians 2:3 (KJV). “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Philippians 4:5 (KJV). “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”