Overcoming Offense

Ephesians 4:25–32 HCSB

25 Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Overcoming Offenses Requires:

1. WATCHING OUR WORDS.

Proverbs 12:22 HCSB

22 Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are His delight.

Ephesians 5:4 HCSB

4 Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks.

2. CONSIDERING OUR ACTIONS.

Ephesians 4:26 HCSB

26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,

If you don’t control your anger, your anger will control you.

If we don’t learn how to overcome offense, the conflict will drain us of joy, peace, and kill our relationships.

3. GUARDING OUR ATTITUDE.

We need to learn to talk with God before we talk with people.

Conflict often occurs when we expect others to meet needs that only God can meet.

Philippians 4:19 HCSB

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

To Guard Our Heart, We Must:

Call On God for Help.

James 1:19 HCSB

19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

We must seek to understand before seeking to be understood.

Philippians 2:4 HCSB

4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Confess Our Part in the Conflict.

Focus on Reconciliation.

“Reconciliation” means to re-establish a relationship, while “Resolution” means to try to resolve every issue.

Colossians 3:13 HCSB

13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

What steps do i need to take reconcile and restore some of my hurting or broken relationships?