A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. – Prov. 18:19
Offenses and contentions are like the bars of a castle. They hinder our freedom and witnessing. As we mature in Christ and yield to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we learn not to pick up offenses. We also learn how to handle those we may have offended, even when they may not share their feelings with us.
We may discern others have taken offense, but they are not open to confront the issues to find resolution. At other times, we may meet with people to come in one accord and we achieve reconciliation in unexpected ways. Everyone is unique, so every situation needs to be handled differently. Instead of only considering our feelings, we also consider theirs.
By God’s grace, we should care for every person with sensitivity and specifically. We praise God for dealing with us with so much grace and mercy, and extend this same grace and mercy to others. Let’s trust the Lord with His ways and timing in dealing with offenses. We can trust the Lord to heal all of us, from glory to glory!