Brought To You By Rev. James Greer and Journey Church
Offense is one of the enemy’s greatest tools to divide relationships, distract believers, and damage our witness. In today’s world, people are quick to react, quick to post, and quick to carry hurt. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. Wisdom teaches us that not every offense deserves a reaction, and not every situation requires us to carry bitterness.
Not every offense is the same. Some are personal. Some are intentional. Others come from misunderstandings, stressful moments, or emotional reactions. Many times, people speak or act out of hurt, exhaustion, frustration, or immaturity. If we are not careful, we can spend our lives carrying wounds God never intended for us to hold onto.
• Before reacting, it is important to ask ourselves a few honest questions:
• Is this truly a matter of biblical principle, or simply personal preference?
• Will speaking up bring restoration and wisdom, or only create more division?
• Is this something God is asking me to release into His hands?
Spiritually mature people learn that wisdom is not found in reacting emotionally to every situation. True maturity is found in discernment, restraint, forgiveness, and grace. Sometimes the strongest thing a believer can do is choose peace over proving a point.
Many people today are emotionally exhausted because they are carrying burdens they were never meant to carry. They replay conversations, dwell on offenses, and allow bitterness to take root in their hearts. But Scripture reminds us that we are not called to carry people — we are called to point people to Christ.
There are times when we should speak up. If God’s Word is being compromised, someone is being harmed, or integrity is at stake, silence is not wisdom. But many offenses can be handled through grace, prayer, humility, and choosing to guard our hearts.
As believers, we must remember:
“We don’t lead perfectly — we lead wisely.”
“We don’t carry people — we point them to Christ.”
A guarded heart is not a hard heart. It is a heart surrendered to God, led by wisdom, and protected from unnecessary offense. Choose today to release bitterness, walk in grace, and trust God with what you cannot control.
