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WEEK 24 – GRACE OVER GRUDGES
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WEEK 24 – GRACE OVER GRUDGES
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WEEK 24 – GRACE OVER GRUDGES
One of my favorite Authors, John Bevere, wrote a book a long time ago called “The Bait Of Satan”.
I think it is required reading for everybody, because he talks about how Satan uses “being offended” as bait to get a foothold in your life.
It is SO true, and it is SO destructive, and I have seen it play out so many times in life.
I’m sure you have your own stories of when you got totally offended by somebody, we all do.
But the key is to become quick to forgive and let it go.
THEN the goal is to go even further and become “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” as it says in James 1:19.
You see, not only do we get trapped in bitterness when we CHOOSE to become offended, rather than CHOOSING to forgive, we also aren’t responding like Jesus would at all.
Jesus was and is full of grace…. that means that he is GRACIOUS.
GRACIOUS meaning He gives other people the benefit of the doubt. He doesn’t jump to conclusions or judgements about other peoples motives (even though He knows our motives).
If we’re going to let go of offense and respond like Jesus would have us respond, we’ve got to start BEING gracious.
Not just thankful for grace. But actually letting that grace in so deep that it makes US gracious. Giving other people the benefit of the doubt.
Literally & practically it means, ASSUMING the best in there peoples motives or actions, and no longer complaining and assuming the worst in others.
So if somebody cuts you off while you’re driving… don’t get upset about how rude they are, instead say to yourself, maybe they didn’t see you, and extend grace to them.
If someone unfollows you on Instagram, stop worrying about it and trying to guess what their motives were. Just move on because you don’t need an Instagram follower to know your worth from God. Just assume the best and bless them and keep loving them and Jesus.
Overall, “GETTING OFFENDED” literally ANYWHERE in life will totally derail you because Jesus NEVER uses OFFENSE, it is 100% foley and only a tactic of the enemy, the bait of Satan.
So DON’T give in to OFFENSE ANYMORE!
Instead, love & bless people, give the benefit of the doubt, and be gracious like Jesus.
Right there on the cross, even in the face of being beaten, stoned, mocked, spat on, tortured, and killed, Jesus breathes out the most gracious response I could possibly imagine.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Lord, give us this same spirit of graciousness. Give us this same understanding that doesn’t complain against our accusers or enemies, but instead gives grace, gives the benefit of the doubt, and responds like Jesus does, offering love instead of anger.
Help us rewire our reactions to be gracious like you Jesus.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- What are some situations that cause you to be offended?
- What are some offenses you can remember in your past?
- What are any grudges or offenses you feel like you are still holding onto instead of completely extending grace and forgiveness to them like Jesus did?
- How could you begin to take on Jesus’ reaction of giving grace and the benefit of the doubt to others and completely let go of EVER getting offended (BECOMING UNOFFENDABLE) ever again?
SCRIPTURE
Luke 23:24 / James 1:19 / Proverbs 16:32
WEEKLY FOCUS
This week, read through these Scriptures each morning.
Think about this idea of BECOMING UNOFFENDABLE.
Ask God if there are any areas you need to surrender or change in order to OFFER GRACE INSTEAD OF GETTING OFFENDED.
Let this theme guide your God time all week, and even your thoughts and conversation with Him through out your days, all week long.
Let Him speak to you about this idea of GRACE OVER GRUDGES, and see what He says.
We’d love to hear your feedback, so hop into the devos conversation thread in SLACK & we’re excited to see what the Lord speaks to you this week.
BLESSINGS!
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