OVERCOMING OFFENSE & BITTERNESS "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) Offense is inevitable, but bitterness is a choice. In a broken world, people will hurt us — sometimes intentionally, sometimes unknowingly. However, when we allow offense to take root in our hearts, it grows into bitterness, poisoning our spirit, clouding our judgment, and damaging our relationships. Scripture warns us against this because bitterness is not a neutral emotion; it spreads, affecting not just our walk with God but also those around us. Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Jesus is our ultimate example of overcoming offense. Betrayed, falsely accused, abandoned, and crucified, He had every reason to be bitter. Yet, He chose love over resentment. His words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), show us that forgiveness is not about the worthiness of the offender, but about freeing our hearts from the weight of unforgiveness. If Christ, who was sinless, could forgive even those who crucified Him, how much more should we, who have been forgiven of so much, extend that grace to others? Healing from offense begins with recognizing its grip on our hearts and surrendering it to God. Bitterness thrives in secrecy, but when we bring our pain before the Lord, He gives us the grace to forgive. Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or pretending the hurt never happened — it means entrusting justice to God and choosing freedom over bondage. The enemy uses offense to trap us, keeping us focused on past wounds instead of walking in God’s purpose. But when we release bitterness, we break that stronghold and step into God’s healing. If you struggle to forgive, ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart. Forgiveness is often a journey, not just a one-time decision. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s love, the more we reflect His character. We are called to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). When we forgive, we mirror Christ, bring peace to our souls, and reflect God’s kingdom on earth. Bitterness is a weight that hinders spiritual growth, but forgiveness is the pathway to true freedom. Don’t let past hurts define your future. God has more for you than living in the shadows of pain. He wants you to experience the joy and peace that come with letting go. When you choose to forgive, you choose life, healing, and restoration. The enemy wants you trapped in resentment, but Jesus calls you to rise above it, to walk in grace, and to be a vessel of His love. Forgiveness is one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s power at work in your life. It takes strength to release pain, but His strength is available to you. Let God heal the wounds, soften your heart, and fill you with His peace. Forgiveness is not just about what it does for others; it’s about what it does in you. It frees you to move forward, to love deeply, and to live unburdened. You were created for freedom, and Christ has made that freedom possible. No matter how deep the hurt, God’s grace is deeper. No matter how long the pain has lasted, His healing power is greater. Today, choose to trust Him with your wounds. Choose to forgive, and you will walk in the abundant life He has prepared for you! Meditate! Is there any offense or bitterness I need to surrender to God? Am I walking in the freedom of forgiveness? Pray! Lord, search my heart and remove any bitterness within me. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Fill me with Your love and peace so that I may walk in freedom and grace. Amen. Act! If someone has offended you, choose to release it to God. Pray for them, reach out in kindness, and refuse to let bitterness take root. Read! Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 19:11. Bitterness is a thief of joy, but forgiveness is a doorway to peace. Let the love of Christ flow through you and bring healing to your heart and relationships! Live in the fullness of God’s love and refuse to let offense steal your joy! SpiritWord × February 21, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu. = Thank you for receiving The Word. To get it directly on WhatsApp, please follow our channel http://bit.ly/40W151F. Join us next Thursday online via https://bit.ly/41dqnIJ or onsite at 5:30pm (WAT) as we gather for another DEEPDIVE. You can also be part of CAMPUS KINGDOM DECREES every Thursday at 4am (WAT). Don’t miss it! For Counselling and/or Intercession, kindly mail [email protected]. 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