Forgiveness - Letting Go of an Offense

Have you ever let another person's words or actions rub you the wrong way? Did it leave you feeling hurt, insulted or even wronged in some way? I think we can all admit that at some point in our lives, we have found ourselves offended by the words or actions of another person. The enemy is really good at luring people into situations where they end up feeling this way. So, while offenses will come our way and it can hurt, we get to choose how to react. In those times, we need to remember to extend kindness, compassion and forgiveness to the other person rather than allowing that offense to drive a wedge between the relationship. We are all in a learning process in our personal journey of growing in the Lord and we will make mistakes thru out our life. Colossians 3:13 says "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." If you have been harboring bitterness or resentment towards someone because of an offense, it is important to go to that person and seek reconciliation. It doesn't matter if the relationship has been estranged for a week, a couple months or a year or longer -- it is always God's desire that we forgive and reconcile with one another. For when we allow offense to keep us divided and bitter with one another, we allow the enemy a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27 says "And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, or anger gives a foothold to the devil." The enemy's goal is to steal, kill and destroy relationships. When he gets a foothold, you can be guaranteed that there will be a lot of emotional and physical distress that follows. Seeking reconciliation is not always easy and it can get messy, really messy. But, it is a much better path to seek than allowing the enemy to wreck havoc in your life. You may need to "swallow your pride", but it takes a truly humble heart to forgive. Don't let the enemy keep you a prisoner to an offense, "forgive" and let go and allow God to do that inner work in your heart. God is LOVE and He calls us to walk in that LOVE. <3 Ephesians 5:1-2 says "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."