Day 10: Overcoming Offense
Scripture: Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
Devotional
In our journey toward a stronger community, we will inevitably encounter bumps, friction, and moments that hurt. While some wounds are deep and require the intentional process of forgiveness we discussed yesterday, many of the barriers we face are smaller but more frequent: offenses. An offense can be a thoughtless comment, a perceived slight, an overlooked contribution, or an unmet expectation. While minor on their own, these moments, if held onto, become seeds of division. They are the enemy’s quiet, insidious tools for creating distance and distrust.
The world tells us to be easily offended. It encourages us to stand our ground, demand an apology, and nurse our wounded pride. But the wisdom of God offers a radically different, and far more glorious, path. Our scripture today says it is our glory to overlook an offense. This isn’t weakness; it’s a display of profound spiritual strength and Christ-like character. It demonstrates a heart that is so secure in God’s love that it isn’t easily shaken by the shortcomings of others.
Overlooking an offense doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen. It means choosing to see the bigger picture. It’s making a conscious decision to give the other person the benefit of the doubt and to value the relationship more than the need to be right. It is an active expression of love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:5, which “is not irritable or resentful.”
This is one of the most practical ways we build a resilient community. When we cultivate a culture where grace is the first response, we create a safe environment for imperfect people to thrive. We stop keeping score and start covering minor faults with a blanket of charity. This choice—to refuse to take up an offense—is revolutionary. It stops countless conflicts before they begin and protects the unity that is so precious to God. Every time we choose to overlook an offense, we choose victory for the community over a personal “win,” reflecting the very heart of our Savior.
Additional Scripture for Meditation
- 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV): “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
- Proverbs 12:16 (ESV): “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
- Ephesians 4:2 (ESV): “[Walk] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Reflection
- Think of a recent time you felt offended. What was your initial, gut-level reaction?
- What is the difference between “overlooking an offense” and simply “stuffing your feelings” or ignoring a serious sin?
- How does a person’s security in Christ make them less prone to being offended?
Practical Application
- The next time you feel a sting of offense from someone’s word or action, pause. Before reacting, ask God for the grace to see the situation through a lens of love and humility.
- Make it a goal this week to actively look for the best in people. Assume positive intent until proven otherwise. This mindset shift can defuse potential offenses before they take root in your heart.
- If you realize you recently offended someone, even unintentionally, take the initiative to humbly check in with them. A simple, “Hey, I was thinking about what I said earlier, and I hope it didn’t come across the wrong way,” can protect your relationship.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your patience with my own faults and for overlooking my stumbles time and time again. Please cultivate in me a heart of wisdom that is slow to anger and quick to extend grace. Guard my heart from pride and sensitivity. Give me the strength and security in You to overlook offenses, to love earnestly, and to prioritize the unity of our community above my own right to be right. Let this be my glory, for Your greater glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Great devotional. We can be so thankful that Christ went beyond overlooking our offense and actually took it upon Himself and sacrificed it on the cross that we might have a relationship with the Father.