#TheStruggleIsReal, Week 4: The Tension Between Offense & Forgiveness

Definition of Tension: Sense of conflict; a pulling force If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers. Psalm 55: 12- 14 (NIV) Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV) An offense is an event. Being offended is a choice. Stay off social media. Examine the vision for your life. Examine your expectations of other people. Examine your level of teachability. It’s not about you! Examine your pride. Stop looking for it! Email ryan@freedom-church,org Know your rights!  The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.  The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. Proverbs 17:27-28 – 18:4 (NIV) Here are three truths about offenses – (an event) It was wrong what they did to me What they did to me wounded me deeply What they did troubled me deeply Three myths of forgiveness: If I forgive, it means I wasn’t really hurt If I forgive, I have to forget If I forgive, I have to act like it didn’t happen Three truths about forgiveness: Forgiveness is a choice Forgiveness is a non-negotiable Forgiveness does not justify the event, but it does free you from it The practical steps: Get counseling Humble yourself and realize what you’ve been forgiven of Look at how Jesus responds to us Mark 11:25 says this: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.”