The Hidden Trap of Offence

Offence is one of the most subtle yet destructive weapons that the enemy uses against Christians. Offence rarely announces itself loudly. Instead, it slips quietly into the heart through hurt, misunderstanding, unmet expectations, or perceived injustice. Scripture warns us plainly:

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).

The word stumble here implies a hidden trap—something placed along the path to halt progress. Offence is exactly that: a trap designed not just to hurt us, but to stop us.

Offence Is Inevitable, But Captivity Is Optional

Lord Jesus never promised a life free from offence. In fact, He said:

“It is impossible that no offences should come” (Luke 17:1).

The issue is not whether offence comes, but what we do when it arrives. Offence becomes dangerous not when it happens, but when it is harboured. What enters the heart unchallenged soon shapes the mind, and what shapes the mind eventually controls decisions.

Proverbs warns us:

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

An offended heart slowly leaks joy, clarity, discernment, and peace.

Many Christians begin offended but end hardened. Hebrews speaks soberly about this progression:

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief… lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12–13).

Offence deceives by justifying itself. It convinces us we are right to withdraw, to speak harshly, to isolate, or to stop serving. Yet Lord Jesus warned that offence has a multiplying effect:

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Matthew 24:10).

What begins as a personal wound can end as relational breakdown, spiritual coldness, and even separation from purpose.

The Unoffended Christ

Prophet Isaiah prophesied of Jesus:

“He was despised and rejected by men… yet He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:3,7).

Jesus faced betrayal, misunderstanding, false accusation, and abandonment yet He refused to be offended. Why? Because the offence would have diverted Him from the cross.

Apostle Peter reminds us:

“When He was reviled, He did not revile in return… but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23).

Freedom from offence is not weakness it is spiritual authority.

Why Offence Is So Dangerous

Offence blinds discernment. It distorts motives. It reinterprets conversations through suspicion rather than love.

Apostle Paul cautions:

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16).

An offended believer may still pray, worship, and serve—but without peace, joy, or clarity. The outside remains active while the inside becomes guarded.

A Prophetic Call

I invite you to examine your hearts early in the year. Before habits form and paths harden, God calls us to deal with offence at the root.

David prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24)

Bible Reading : Genesis 16-18

Listen to today’s Daily Manna Audio

The Hidden Trap of Offence

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