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Islands and Offenses

'Ready Answer' by Staff

As much as we wish our church congregations could get along peacefully, Jesus tells us that, sadly, offenses must come (Luke 17:1).

The Defense Against Offense

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Every person who has ever lived has experienced offense, often multiple times, ranging from slight displeasures to deep resentments that can last a lifetime. Some bear personal attacks with resilience, recovering quickly without harboring bitterness toward the offender, while others allow offenses to fester into hatred with severe consequences. Offense, in its various forms, is a serious matter, as Jesus pronounces a solemn woe against those who cause it, declaring it better for such a person to be drowned with a millstone around their neck than to lead others into sin. The apostles also address this, with Paul striving to avoid causing offense, refusing even to eat meat if it might make a brother stumble. Offenses often arise from harsh words, perceived slights, being ignored, or receiving unwanted responsibilities. They can stem from being blamed unjustly or not receiving due credit, or from inconsiderate actions by others. While these may fall within the scope of biblical offense, the usage by Jesus and the apostles often implies a deeper impact, where a person's moral conduct or salvation might be at stake due to enticement to sin. The Greek term "skandalon," used by Jesus, refers to a trap's trigger, indicating an enticement that can ruin a person morally by causing them to sin, whether through direct persuasion or indirect influence. The Bible primarily speaks of offense as acts leading another into sin, not merely as hurt feelings or minor irritations, though these can build into bitterness and grudges if not addressed. Love, as described in scripture, counters this by not being easily provoked or resentful, keeping no record of wrongs, and overriding temptations to sin even when offenses occur. Pride, however, fuels irritation and anger when vanity is hurt, leading to competition and vindictiveness, unlike love which does not insist on its own way. The best defense against offense lies in loving God's law, which brings great peace and prevents stumbling into sin or being led astray by others' actions. This love fosters a sense of well-being and stability, making enticements to stray hold no appeal. By lavishing affection on God through obedience and meditation on His Word, one builds a relationship that guards against offense. God's response to such devotion is to pour out His love and Spirit, empowering one to override fleshly desires and prioritize His Kingdom, thus equipping one to handle offenses with a loving and confident attitude. Even as challenges may increase, a growing relationship with Him ensures the strength to meet offenses with peace and joy.

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

Conflict between brethren can easily turn into offense, causing the spiritual life of both parties to falter. Offenses often result when one or both individuals fail to forgive or extend mercy. As often as a brother injures us and asks forgiveness, we should forgive him, understanding it is his duty to ask and our duty to declare forgiveness and treat him accordingly. Even if he does not ask for forgiveness, we are not at liberty to take revenge, but should treat him kindly and do him good. Compared to our offenses against God, the offenses that our brethren commit against us are small and insignificant. Since God has forgiven us so much, we ought to forgive each other of anything, large or small. Ultimately, receiving God's mercy and compassion is contingent upon our forgiving treatment of others. We should abundantly forgive as our Master does, knowing that if we do not, God will be justly angry and punish us.

The Prisoner

'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo

Offense, whether given or received, poses a significant barrier to the at-one-ment with the Father and Jesus Christ that we are called to achieve. When we imprison someone in the confines of our heart due to an offense, we become burdened with the duty of keeping them there, resulting in two prisoners—both the offender and the offended—trapped in animosity. Often, the offender may not have intended harm, perhaps acting clumsily or displaying a character flaw deemed unacceptable by the offended. To avoid causing offense, we must approach others with humility, mindful of our own vulnerabilities, as we seek to restore relationships in a spirit of gentleness. When we offend a brother, our godly purpose must be to restore the relationship, not merely to seek forgiveness to ease our discomfort. We should first turn to God, asking Him to help us understand the damage caused and to grant us the contrition, humility, and patience needed to repair the bond. We can also beseech Him to open the heart of the offended, allowing them to accept our apology and extend forgiveness, thus releasing both parties from the prison of grudge. If we are the ones offended, we must resist the urge to retaliate and instead seek God's guidance in prayer for humility, empathy, and mercy. We should ask Him for clarity to understand the reasons behind the deed and to find a path to forgiveness. Even if the offense stems from a rebuke, we must consider that a true friend may risk a relationship to point out a fault for our good, and we should be open to such correction, whether from a trusted authority or an unexpected source. Withholding forgiveness, especially from a brother who sincerely seeks reconciliation, can lead to a sinful attitude that locks us in a bitter prison, opposing God's will and hindering our path to His Kingdom. Therefore, whether we are the offender or the offended, we must always seek to be first forgiven and reconciled with God, relying on His spirit of humility to guide our efforts toward genuine restoration. We must throw open the doors of our heart's prison, releasing all who have been confined by animosity, and imitate Jesus Christ, who came to set at liberty those who are oppressed. This difficult path is the only way to eternal life and oneness with the Father and His Son.

Vengeance is Mine

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Christ counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.

How to Offend Someone

Sermon by Ryan McClure

Even though offense is inevitable, we must emulate Christ's love by avoiding unnecessary harm while prioritizing the spiritual growth of others.

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.

'Sons of God?'

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'

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.

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.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.

Reacting to Criticism

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

All have been guilty of malicious gossip; consequently, they should not become offended when they hear gossip about themselves (Ecclesiastes 7:21).

A Patriot and a Traitor (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

An indescribable reward awaits those who endure and remain loyal. We cannot afford to lose our vision of our righteous cause, as Benedict Arnold did.

The Elder Brother

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Like the older brother in the parable, we may have looked down on those who have stumbled. We are not equipped to judge anybody else's repentance.

The Need for Forgiveness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.

'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Murder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.

Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part One)

Sermon by David F. Maas

In a culture which glorifies war heroes and winning at all costs, becoming an ambassador to peace is perhaps the most elusive goal we could ever accomplish.

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.

The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Our society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Mercy eclipses any kind of sacrifice one may offer, triumphing over judgement. The leaven of the Pharisees consists of prideful, hypocritical, merciless judgment.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Those who are mature should be able to endure the slights of the immature, being circumspect not to lead anyone into sin through our careless example.

Reconciliation (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ placed a high priority on reconciliation, warning us that before we engage God at the altar, we had better make peace with our brother.

Blessed Are the Meek (2014)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.

Stand Fast in a Changing World

Sermon by Kim Myers

We have been warned to keep alert, watching for the return of our Savior, not living in careless ease. We should be sobered by the degenerating state of the world.

Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.

Anger (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We dare not let the sun go down on our wrath. Uncontrolled anger can be a major cause of mental and physical illness. We must reconcile with our adversaries.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Forgiveness from God is directly tied to our forgiving those who have sinned against us! We must reciprocate God's forgiveness by forgiving others.

Restoration and Forgiveness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.

Unity and Division (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Even though God desires brethren to dwell in peace and unity, at times HE ordains and causes disruption and division. How do we explain this apparent paradox?

Go the Extra Mile

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

The Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.

Joseph's Extraordinary Example

Sermon by Kim Myers

Joseph was an extraordinary type of Jesus Christ. His life and character parallels Christ's in at least 16 ways, which God purposefully foreordained.

The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Bitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.

Grateful For Reconciliation

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must remember what we were and how far God has brought us out of that place, pulled out of the muck and brought into His glory.

Our Genetically Altered Foods (Part Three)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our food has been hopelessly contaminated by genetic modification. However, we must not look down on others who are unable to purchase organic foods.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Ten)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged us.

Is a Rock Just a Rock to God?

'Ready Answer' by Bill Keesee

God calls us 'living stones' in I Peter 2. Here is why this description is a very fitting view of God's work making us His jewels.

Forbearance

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Paul talks about the 'the [Lord's] body' without defining exactly what he means, he does so in the middle of a lengthy discourse on the spiritual Body.

A True Disciple

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

We must exercise longsuffering and kindness to all, including to those that have done ill to us. We are disciples of Christ if we love one another.

Judging in the Church

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.

The Spiritual Mark of the Beast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Anger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.

By This Shall All Men Know You

Sermon by John O. Reid

A native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.