Sunday 4/21/24 Recap: Stop Being Offended

Stop Being Offended:

• The things we criticize most in others are often the things we dislike the most in ourselves

• Over time, offenses pile up and before you know it, you're divided by offenses

• One small offense at a time creates a division over time

• The enemy's strategy is division and his tactic is offense

• There is only one person who has walked this Earth that has the right to be offended: Jesus

• We have the opportunity to drop it; let your offenses go

• Take note of James 1:20: because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

• It's hard for your to receive when your hands are full of holding on to offenses

• Our offense can make us think that we have a right to hang on to the stone - we've dealt with enough anger in our life - it's time to drop it

How effective is your anger?

• Do you say you have righteous anger when it's actually self-righteous anger?

Is your anger bringing you more joy?

• Is it blessing others or criticizing others?

Do you want to make a point or do you want to make a difference?

• We need to be led by the Holy Spirit and have God direct our actions

• We are trying to win people to the grace and goodness of Jesus

• Love His people, show them grace, show them compassion

• It's in your anger that you're often ineffective

• Lead with love

• Don't let your opinions overrule your calling to share the love of Jesus

1. Lower your expectation of others.

   1. Sinners do sinful things; don't be surprised

   2. They're not perfect and neither are you

   3. Jesus was never shocked by immoral behavior

2. Raise your gratitude for God's grace.

Today's Scripture

• James 1:19-20

• Matthew 22:37-39

• II Timothy 3:2-4

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