“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).

It is impossible for offences not to come (Luke 17:1). Offences are normal because we relate with people. The more we relate with people, the more the tendency for offences, and the closer the relationship, the more the likelihood and pain of offences. Since we cannot but relate with people, we must therefore find scriptural ways and wisdom to have relationships with people that is void of offences.

Offences will come, but we can and must choose not to be offended. This is the difference between those living in offences and those living free; the way they handle the offences that come their way. One set deals with it, the other allows it to fester and colour their lives. Everyone would be offended but anyone can choose to live light and free.

Living free is more important that trying to prove a point. Friend, your freedom, the one that Christ purchased for you with His blood, is worth more than anything. This is why we are admonished to stand firm in the liberty of Christ and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). Offence can be one of those yokes.

A man living in offence is actually living heavy. Unfortunately, you cannot run with speed when you are heavy. You would be slowed down. You would slip and fall. And this is what the devil wants. He wants you to be slowed down in life and destiny. He wants your business, career or ministry to drag. He wants your marriage to not fulfil God’s highest plans and purpose. He wants you to be counting years without making any meaningful progress and impact with your life.

The devil wants you to miss the mark and fail in the race of life and destiny (Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:1-2). This is why you must not give in to offences. Offences will steal your personal peace and joy. Listen, your personal peace and joy is priceless. Jesus purchased it for you with His own blood (Romans 5:1, 14:17, Philippians 4:7). The chastisement of your peace was laid on Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). The devil wants you to forfeit it on the altar of offences.

May the peace of God continue to rule and reign in your heart and life in Jesus name!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria