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An act of stumbling
A cause or occasion of sin
Something that outrages the moral or physical senses
The act of displeasing or affronting
The state of being insulted or morally outraged
Leaf, C. (2011). You Are What You Think: 75 to 98% of Mental and Physical Illnesses Come from Our Thought Life.
One issue that has always affected the Body of Christ is offense. As human beings, we will all feel offended from time to time. God created each of us with unique personalities, perspectives, temperaments, and ways of seeing the world. Because of this, our differences can sometimes cause us to bump heads with one another.
Being offended is not always a sin in itself. Sometimes offense is an emotional response to being hurt, disrespected, misunderstood, or mistreated. However, if offense is not dealt with properly, it can lead us into sin. Offense can open the door to unforgiveness, gossip, bitterness, backbiting, anger, resentment, and division.
Offense and Our Health
Did you know that offense can also affect our health? When we hold on to anger, bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness, it can weigh heavily on the mind, emotions, and body. Dr. Caroline Leaf has taught that much of what affects us physically is connected to our thought life. In her teaching, she explains that toxic thinking can influence the brain, emotions, and even the body’s responses.
This reminds us that our inner life matters. What we meditate on, rehearse, and carry in our hearts can affect how we feel, how we respond, and how we live. When we constantly dwell on negative thoughts, painful memories, and unresolved offenses, those thoughts can begin to shape our emotions and behavior.
The Word of God says, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones” Proverbs 14:30. The New Living Translation says, “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” This scripture shows us that the condition of the heart matters deeply. Peace, forgiveness, and a sound heart are not just spiritual blessings; they also help us live with greater wholeness.
This does not mean that every sickness is caused by offense or negative thinking. We should never use this teaching to blame people who are suffering. However, it does remind us that holding on to offense can become destructive. A healthy heart and a renewed mind are important parts of walking in peace.
Offense and Our Spiritual Life
Offense does not only affect us emotionally and physically; it can also affect us spiritually. If offense is allowed to grow, it can easily turn into unforgiveness. Jesus taught clearly about forgiveness in Matthew 6:14–15. He said that if we forgive others, our Heavenly Father will forgive us, but if we refuse to forgive others, we also hinder forgiveness in our own lives.
In Luke 17:3–4, Jesus also taught that if someone sins against us and repents, we are to forgive them, even if they offend us repeatedly. This does not mean we ignore wisdom, boundaries, or accountability. Forgiveness does not always mean giving someone the same access to us. However, it does mean we release the offense from our hearts and refuse to let bitterness control us.
Ephesians 4:31 also tells us to get rid of “all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” God does not want offense to take root in us. He wants us free from the emotional and spiritual weight that comes from carrying unresolved hurt.
The Proper Response to Offense
Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
This scripture teaches us that wisdom helps us avoid becoming easily angered. When anger is out of control, it can cloud our thinking and cause us to respond in ways we may later regret. A person who is easily offended may struggle to use good judgment because every situation feels like a personal attack.
If you become offended with a friend, family member, or fellow believer, it is important to recognize it and deal with it in a healthy way. Sometimes offense comes from a simple misunderstanding that can be cleared up through honest communication. Instead of rehearsing the hurt over and over in your mind, it may be better to calmly express your concern and seek understanding.
There may also be times when you cannot address the offense directly. Maybe it happened with a stranger during the day, or maybe the situation does not allow for a conversation. In those moments, you can take the offense to God in prayer, forgive the person, and move forward. Do not let a brief encounter steal your peace for the rest of the day.
Sometimes we encounter people who are rude, impatient, or simply having a bad day. Their behavior may be unpleasant, but we do not have to carry it. Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 says, “Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.”
This is a humbling reminder. We have all said things we should not have said. We have all had moments when we were not at our best. Remembering this can help us show mercy to others instead of becoming easily offended.
Offense will come, but we do not have to let it rule our hearts. Through prayer, wisdom, forgiveness, and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can release offense before it turns into bitterness. A peaceful heart is worth protecting.
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