I don’t have an in-depth and lengthy post this morning. I started writing one, and God reminded me of what has been on my heart for months. Offense and Forgiveness. Being offended by your brothers and sisters will put you in a dark place of unforgiveness. Of course, we will justify why we won’t forgive by keeping the list of things that the person or persons have done that makes them deserving of the cold shoulder and sometimes harsh words. However, remember two things. One, the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy and one of his go-to weapons is offense. He knows that if he can make you offended he can destroy families, friendships and tear down any relationships you have built. Be vigilant my sisters and when you are feeling offended and ready to turn your back on your sister and brother, please go to God in prayer and ask him to reveal the issues of your heart and help you to mend the broken pieces.

Forgiveness is sometimes viewed as a weakness, but I declare it has been one of the most powerful tools in my life. I have had some deep wounds that made me feel like I could never forgive, but through prayer and some amazing books I removed the offense and forgave them. I didn’t have to go to the person and have a conversation or rehash everything, but in my heart, I released them from the bondage of owing me anything. The day I released the offense, I was able to walk up to the person, smile, and hug them in love. Remembering what had happened in the past made me feel amazing because Satan had lost power over me and I was finally free!

Forgiveness and Offense are not always as simple as the paragraphs above. When I needed to forgive I sought after it with all of my heart because I knew it was the key to becoming a better me. There are two books that I would highly recommend. Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley and The Bait of Satan by John Revere. I want to help heal the offense in each of our hearts, not for the offender but the freedom from the enemy. My prayer this morning is that you would open the issues of your heart and ask God what you need to remove the offense and forgive.

Thanks for listening to the issues of my heart.

Felicia Smith