Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (Matthew 18:7)
Today's Morsel: Some folks misunderstand offenses with spiritual correction. Offenses are more like an attack against someone. They can be stumbling blocks in another's pathway. Some folks, when corrected or rebuked, may feel it's an offense or a stumbling block. But spiritual corrections and spiritual rebukes are designed to build you and strength you in truth, whereas offenses are designed to tear you down. Peter said of Jesus, " but unto them which be disobedient... a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed" (1 Peter 2:7-8). Paul said of Him, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock..." (1 Corinthians 1:23). Because Jesus often tried to correct the religious, they saw Him as an offense to their teachings. They felt that He was attacking them, and so they saw Him as a stumbling block. Some people are offended by truth because they are complacent. When a person is satisfied and set in their ways or with where they are in Christ, any request of them, correction of them, or rebuke for them to change is seen as an offense by them. If we lack spiritual knowledge, it is easy to be offended by truth. If I make you stumble or offend you for my own selfish ways, I'm wrong and God will deal with me. But if you get offended because of truth, judge ye (See also John 6:53-71).
Sing: Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary for You.
Thought for Today: Get wisdom and with all thy getting get an understanding (Solomon).
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