Offended?

Sometimes as we go through our day people offend us and we don't let our offense be known. The issue may not be worthy of mentioning or the circumstances were not right to acknowledge the slight. Yet, inside our hearts the offense remains, festering and hardening into a knot of unforgiveness.

Those slight offenses build up bringing with them bitterness, anger, and the spirit of the grudge. They change how we act toward the people who have offended us. They keep us from acting in real love towards those around us.

Most concerning, however, is how these offenses hinder us from a genuine relationship with the Father. Unforgiveness keeps us out of the will of God. It blocks our own forgiveness, and keeps us from our blessings. (Matthew 6:15)

Don't let yourself get fooled into thinking that holding onto a grudge isn't sin. Just because you haven't openly addressed your anger does not mean that it does not exist. If anything, the hidden anger does more damage, eating away at your heart and causing damage to your spirit. Eventually that damage leaks into your behavior and causes you to act in ways that are not pleasing to the Lord.

God sees straight to your heart. He sees all the "knots" of unforgiveness. He can recognize the grudges you secretly hold. Nothing is hidden from Him.

So, today, take some time to examine your heart. Are you holding on to secret offenses? Are you harboring unforgiveness?

Don't let another day pass without you releasing those things to the Father. Choose to forgive and move on. Allow the spirit to ease the pain of your offense and release you into the freedom of being in right standing with Him.

Verse of the Day: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8