Summary:

It is important for us to continually walk in the love of God in order to avoid becoming offended. Satan will try to do everything in his power
to get us to step outside the love of God. Once we step outside the
love circle, the power of God is short-circuited. Everything in the
Kingdom of God is based on love; therefore, we must choose to love even
when we are offended.

1. If we say we love God, we must also love others (1 John 4:18-21).
   1. The enemy tries to lure us away from God through offense.
      1. Whenever we experience offense, the first thing we should do is pray.
      2. Offense is based in selfishness and produces fear.
      3. Fear gives Satan access to our lives.
         1. There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear.
         2. Fear is a tormenting spirit.
   
   
2. John the Baptist got offended in prison and was later beheaded (Matthew 11:2-6).
   1. Jesus said blessed are those who are not offended in Him (Matthew 11:6, Luke 7:23).
      1. Offense is a blessing blocker; it is a negative reaction to a condition or comment.
      2. If there are things going wrong in our lives, it may be due to offense.
      3. John began to question and doubt Jesus’ mission.
      4. We should refuse to question God when we are offended (1Timothy 1:4).
         1. It may seem harmless to be offended, but it damages our lives and relationships (Matthew 18:7).
         2. Offense is a type of pressure applied to our flesh. It is a temptation.
   2. Patience is the solution to offense (Luke 8:15).
      1. We must continue to consistently demonstrate the love of God when we are offended.
      2. Offense disrupts our commitment to walk in love.
   3. We can learn from the example of the woman whose daughter was possessed (Matthew 15:21-28).
      1. She was persistent; she refused to be offended.
      2. Offense could not stop her from receiving her miracle.
      3. We must not allow offense to lure us away from what is important (Philippians 1:9-11, AMP).
      4. There are people who are offended with God.
      5. If we become offended with God, we destroy our destinies.
      6. How can we prosper if we harden our heart against God? (Isaiah 45:9, Job 9:4, AMP)
         1. Be free of foolish anger.
         2. Offense blocks the hand of God in our lives.
   4. Love for the Word of God delivers us from offense (Psalm 119:165).

Scripture References:

• 1 John 4:18-21
• Matthew 11:2-6
• Luke 7:23
• 1Timothy 1:4
• Matthew 18:7
• Luke 8:15
• Matthew 15:21-28
• Philippians 1:9-11, AMP
• Isaiah 45:9
• Job 9:4
• Psalm 119:165