The Best Defense is to not be an Offense

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 18

Gold Nugget
 Verse 19: A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Commentary
What should we do when we have offended a brother or sister? As much as I would like to think that I am a nice person without desire to bring harm to people, I do on occasion offend. Sometimes unintentional, sometimes simply because of my flesh getting out of control. How we react to us offending people is paramount. The first thing we must do is repent inwardly and toward God. Acknowledge your wrong doing and prepare yourself for the humbling lesson that lays before you. Despite the pride that may stand between you and confessing your fault to the one you have offended, you must walk in obedience to God by following through with it. As hard as it may be to restore the relationship, the longer you put it off - the more it will rot away at your spirit. If you have ever suffered your pride and confessed your offense, you will remember the freedom and peace that came from doing your part to restore the relationship. Of course it is best to be careful not to offend, but how you react to your own wrong doing will reflect who you are as a Christian. If you do someone wrong, be quick to repent and confess to that person and ask for their forgiveness. It will be the first step to mending the relationship that has been harmed by your actions.

Prayer
Lord, I want to be careful not to offend anyone, but if I do - help me to suffer my pride and confess and repent immediately. If I fail to show true Christian character with my deeds, show me how to demonstrate Christian character through humility and repentance. Amen

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