• 1 Peter 2:21-23
    For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
    "Who committed no sin,
    Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
     
  • Matthew 5:23-24
    Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
     
  • Romans 12:17-19
    Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
     
  • Romans 12:21
    Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
     
  • Philippians 2:5-11
    Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
     
  • Proverbs 18:19
    A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
    And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

     
  • Matthew 5:21
    "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Offense


Resources

The Defense Against Offense

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible states that offenses will come. Here are ways to handle offenses and keep minor irritations from growing into bitterness.


The Prisoners

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

'To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.' Forgiving and being forgiven are part of being a family.


Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.


The Prisoner

'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo

We tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness.


Sins in the Balance (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Forgiveness is not a feeling that washes over us, but a conscious choice. It does not mean that the offense will never come to mind, nor that all the pain vanishes.


A Root of Bitterness (2016)

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Only by letting go of the poisonous root of bitterness can we become like our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father.


The Elder Brother

'Prophecy Watch' by Ted E. Bowling

In the Prodigal Son, most people dwell on the relationship between the prodigal and his father. However, the elder brother has much to teach us as well.


Godly Tact and Diplomacy

Article by David F. Maas

Humans are very adept at causing offense. But as Christians, we must learn the art of tact and diplomacy that works toward unity among the brethren.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Offense