This lecture is based on the teaching by Apostle Prof Ezekiel Guti in the books: The Key To Overcome Offences and Respect That Brings Godliness
Many people cannot function properly in their calling because of wounds and hurts that offenses have caused in their lives. (Apostle EH Guti pg 3)
What is an offence?
Offend comes from the Greek word skandalon mean to trap. Many times those who are offended don’t know that they are in the trap of the devil.
Reality of offences
As long we are on this earth we will encounter offenses (Luke 17, Mk 9:42). You can’t avoid the offenses but you can by your attitude.
Personalities in offences
• The offender: this is the initiator of the offense
• The offended: this the person to whom the offense has been administered
Types of offenders
• Deliberate offenders: These just like to offend others
• Flexible offenders: when faced with a need to rectify offences they are forthcoming.
• Rigid offenders: These will never change and are adamant because they think they are right.
Types of The Offended
• Genuinely offended: These people are genuinely and unjustly offended.
• Pretenders: They pretended to have been offended when they are not.
• Those who think have been offended when they are not.
Manifestation or Effects of Offences
A brother who is offended is hard to win- Prov 18:9
• Hurt and bitterness
• Hate and enmity
• Jealousy
• Quarrelling, insults, accusations and provocations
• Relationship destruction caused by disagreements
• Betrayals
• Backsliding
• Defensiveness: some build a wall around themselves to protect themselves from further hurt.
• Diseases
• Death
What offends people?
What offends people differs from person to person. Factors like spiritual maturity and background of the person comes into play. What offends another person may not offend another one. Therefore do not take people for granted.
Why do offenders offend others?
• Deliberate
• Evil heart
• Lack of respect: honor every person.
• Some are used by the Devil
• Some are used by God to try your faith and make you grow.
• Some are used by other people
• Background
• Environment/Situation
• Selfishness and pride
Responses To Offenses: How Can we Deal with Offences.
Our responses to any offenses determine our future.
• Humility: pride doesn’t want us to admit that we are heart and offended.
• Maturity
• Wisdom
• Full of the spirit
• Forgiveness
• Counseling
• Full of the Word
• Bless and love those who offend you (Mt 5:44)
• Positive attitude: do not focus on the wrong.
• Prayer and fasting
John Museredzo is a passionate teacher of the Word. +263775127589
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