Relational Offense | Scotty Gibbons

Luke 17:1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no  [a] offenses should come,” (NKJV) 2 Samuel 16:5-14 5  As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out.  6  He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left.  7  As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel!  8  The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!” 9  Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” 10  But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” 11  David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.  12  It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” 13  So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.  14  The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself. (NIV) 1. Assume the best. 2 Samuel 16:11-12 Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.  12  It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” 2. Refuse to receive the offense. 3. Be quick to forgive. Colossians 3:13 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.  MSG 2 Samuel 19:18-23 When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king  19  and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind.  20  For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” 21  Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD’s anointed.” 22  David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?”  23  So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath. NIV Ephesians 4:2-3 2  Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  3  Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another. (TLB) 4. Allow God to defend you. 1 Kings 2:44-46 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your heart all the wrong you did to my father David. Now the LORD will repay you for your wrongdoing.  45  But King Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.” 46  Then the king gave the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down and he died. (NIV) Romans 12:17-19 17  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  18  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [d]  says the Lord.  NIV 5. Position yourself for a blessing. 2 Samuel 19:12 12  It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” (NIV) Prov 19:11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. NIV