15/11/2017 - THE POWER OF THE OFFENSE

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A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

When we offend another we create a wound that is difficult to be healed. However, when we reproach him for deserving such a word we give him a great gift.  This way, if he repents he will be freed from the clutches of the devil that has made him suffer greatly and he will go to the Kingdom of Happiness, of God. Even if the message seems too strong or heavy to our eyes, the Truth delivers from all pain and produces great joy forever.

The offense is produced by words said that are void and empty of divine unction, or by simply omitting the truth. For example, if I know somebody that is overcome by passion and I do not warn of the danger in view, but use human arguments, I can offend her.  However, if I reprehend that person, as the Lord says, she may even be upset by what I say but never insulted or offended.

We must be careful not to offend the Almighty like Adam did.  The Creator had ordered the man and the woman not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, when he listened to his wife, Adam ate the fruit consciously.  The sentence was foreseen and written and for this reason he was separated from God and led all humanity – his descendants, to be separated also.  Never dare to disobey the Lord in what He forbid because this will bring instant judgment.

Offenses are physical and moral aggressions that must never be practiced against man or God.  If you witness somebody being offended, pray! If the Lord gives you a word to minister to the aggressor or to the victim, ask Him for wisdom to do this, since the verse in this message says it is easier to conquer a fortified city than a wounded brother. On the other hand, if the word comes not from the Almighty, the aggressor may feel indignation as a result of your measure.

The offense is a devastating weapon in the hands of the devil because it makes the victim to close up his defenses more than a city that is prepared to be attacked. This way, the feeling invades the heart of the person who is weak in the Word and it becomes practically impossible to deliver the offended victim. The wounded does have to be delivered and this victory is only attained by knowledge of the Truth.  Don’t rush to deal with the victim of hurt but pray and wait on the Lord, who will produce and bring deliverance.

When you talk about the Gospel to an idolatrous, religious person you may offend him to the point that he might never hear the Truth.  He who speaks about God must weigh his words carefully and declare only the revelation from the Omnipotent to the deceived soul. Be careful not to place iron bars at the door of anyone’s heart.  Know that if the Word is not delivered wisely, the testimony might be a disservice to that person.

Like Mary, sister to Martha and to Lazarus, remain at Christ’s feet, in order to learn to live well and to give testimonies to the lost concerning Jesus.  Without the Lord’s help you will never reach where He wants you to reach. The wise bring joy to the Father’s heart; but if you waste opportunities you only help the adversary.

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares