Dead men don't get offended

I am around people all the time who get offended.

 

To be candid with you, they are a bummer to be around.

 

You have to walk on egg-shells for fear of saying something that might "offend" them.

 

Now then, I get it that we are to be gracious and kind and supportive and loving to one another.

 

But some people just offend easily.

 

They walk around with a spirit of offense.

 

They hurt easily - probably because they themselves are hurting.

 

But here's what I know:  Dead men don't get offended.

 

Obviously, the guy in the casket can't get any more hurt feelings because he doesn't have any feelings to hurt.  They are dead to self.

 

What is the solution to carrying around a spirit of offense?

 

Die to yourself!

 

We must become totally immersed in the identity and person of Jesus Christ, dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us.

 

Paul said it well in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is not longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

 

Jesus said (Luke 9:23) that if "anyone want to follow me, they must take up their cross daily."

 

The old nature is what Satan uses to hinder you (Ephesians 2:2,3). 

 

If you live according to the leading of the flesh, Satan will continue to be able to oppress you with offenses, upset emotions, hurt feelings, not to mention many other problems.

 

You can't stop offense from coming your way (somebody, somewhere, will say something to hurt you on a daily basis) - but you can eliminate what offenses you feed on.

 

Die to yourself!  Realize who you are in Jesus!

 

And then the immunity that you seek from offense will come.

 

Just a thought for a Wednesday.