He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.
Isaiah 53:7
Isaiah 53:7
Michael and I have been talking about the issue of "offense" lately. It is so easy to take offense at things - small, unintentional things done by others, and especially the bigger things that actually hurt our spirit or pride. Offense can very quickly turn to bitterness, and bitterness festers and joins with unforgiveness, which steals our purpose in God. There was a time where God had to really lay bare my heart and expose the unforgiveness and bitterness that was lurking there, and it was ugly. And the realization that cut my spirit the most was that through that unforgiveness and harboring of resentment, I was shutting out the Lord, the only One who can cleanse and heal me of those things.
Forgiveness is not about the offense done, big or small, nor is it about the offender and whether or not things are made right and you "feel better". Forgiveness is about Christ - it is what He offered for us, through obedience coupled with humility and meekness, though we were so undeserving, and what has brought us into eternal life with the Father. As Christians, "Christ-followers", we are supposed to model Him, become transformed into His image - and we cannot do that with the darkness of unforgiveness and offense in our hearts. To allow Him to change us, we must take our eyes off of ourselves, and fix them firmly upon Him.
So, when I feel the struggle of offense, bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness rising up in me, I remember Isaiah 53:7. I remember the persecution that Christ underwent, as God-become-man for our sakes, and I know that no matter of offense or hurt will ever amount to what He suffered - for ME. How He suffered without a sound, without speaking a defense for Himself, or calling down legions of angels to rescue Him. I am reminded of how utterly worthless I was and am without Him. Who am I to bear a grudge against another in such a light? I am humbled, and I lay my pride down at His feet, and am cleansed.
Forgiveness is not about the offense done, big or small, nor is it about the offender and whether or not things are made right and you "feel better". Forgiveness is about Christ - it is what He offered for us, through obedience coupled with humility and meekness, though we were so undeserving, and what has brought us into eternal life with the Father. As Christians, "Christ-followers", we are supposed to model Him, become transformed into His image - and we cannot do that with the darkness of unforgiveness and offense in our hearts. To allow Him to change us, we must take our eyes off of ourselves, and fix them firmly upon Him.
So, when I feel the struggle of offense, bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness rising up in me, I remember Isaiah 53:7. I remember the persecution that Christ underwent, as God-become-man for our sakes, and I know that no matter of offense or hurt will ever amount to what He suffered - for ME. How He suffered without a sound, without speaking a defense for Himself, or calling down legions of angels to rescue Him. I am reminded of how utterly worthless I was and am without Him. Who am I to bear a grudge against another in such a light? I am humbled, and I lay my pride down at His feet, and am cleansed.
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2 comments:
i find it amazing that Jesus was 100% man yet did not defend himself. an amazing example for us. thanks for posting!
Good word. If there is a time (or times) that I offend you, please don't hesitate to say something to me. A simple question like, "Did you mean to offend me like that?" Often that simple question opens the eyes of the one who offends to make them aware that they said/did something offensive. They can then apologize immediately, or admit that they intended to offend. I have been guilty of unintentionally hurting others, and not being aware of it, only to find out months or even years later that this person has held their distance from me for such offense. It is then painful for both parties. It would be far better to air it out at the point of offense to clear the air and move on.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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