Last week, I stated that offences are inevitable in our relationships and day-to-day activities. In addition, as children of God, how we react to offences really matters as our reaction can make or mar our relationship with people and more importantly, with God. We shall be concluding this series today.
When offences come, the way we react to them defines our walk with Christ. As we navigate the complexities of relationships, let us strive to respond with grace, forgiveness, and a desire for reconciliation. Let us remember that in forgiving others, we mirror the forgiveness that God has graciously extended to us through Christ. Whenever we are offended, we can either let the moment draw us closer to God and grow in His likeness or allow it to create a barrier between us and His love. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus said: *“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”* Reconciliation is not always easy, and it often requires humility, courage, and determination. It is indeed, a painful and difficult process. However, it is a step towards healing and restoration; reflecting the heart of God who desires unity and peace among His children. It should be treated with urgency and alacrity! The redemptive work of salvation is primarily hinged on reconciliation, and God has called us to the same ministry. *“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation”* (2 Cor. 2:18). Reconciliation involves daily decisions to choose forgiveness over bitterness, love over resentment, and unity over division. When we are faced with offences, our natural inclination might be to hold on to hurt or seek revenge, but as Josh Billings said: "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness". Moreover, as followers of Christ, we are called to build bridges. In our relationships and interactions with people, let us commit to being peacemakers, reflecting God’s love and forgiveness. When offences come, let us be quick to forgive and always ready to reconcile. *“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath”* (Eph. 4:26). In doing so, we are not only growing in our walk with Christ, but also become agents of His peace in a tumultuous and chaotic world.** As we conclude this series on responding to offences, we need to understand that there is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. When your brother or sister offends you, let go and make an urgent move to reconcile with him or her. I cannot agree less with Alan Paton who said: “When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive”.
May the Lord grant us the grace to forgive, the will to reconcile, the strength to let go and the wisdom to handle offences in a way that brings lasting peace to the world. Amen! (Concluded). *SHALOM*.
