The Blessing Of Offense

I was so uncomfortable. The worship happening in the room was WILD. It was noisy and chaotic. I was there as an observer. There were lots of things going on that I had never seen before and I didn’t understand. Quite frankly, I was offended... 

I remember a conversation I had with a friend once. After reading a book about getting to know the Holy Spirit, she was offended because the book made her feel like she had not experienced everything about God there was to experience. She was offended at the thought of somehow missing out on something, yet not hungry enough to find out what was available on the other side of offense.

An offense, in this respect, is something that challenges our pre-conceived notions, traditions, and sensibilities. We are offended when we are confronted with more, mostly because we would never admit that we actually need more. Hunger exposes us to offense. Humility enables us to receive what we currently do not possess. 

The only way to get around offense is to go to low. Don't try to go around it. Don't try to destroy it. Don't try to lift yourself over it. That’s all pride. Humility is the only response to offense that will enable us to overcome it and move from glory to glory. 

Back to that room with all the “crazy” stuff going on... I decided to go low and find Jesus on the other side of my offense. And I found Him. I had told Him, “I want all you have for me. Nothing more. Nothing less.” And I trusted Him to guide me past all the things I didn’t understand, wasn’t ready for, and straight to His heart. I was awakened that day to a whole new dimension of knowing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Years later, the fruit is still good. I love Him more than ever. And I’m so glad He was patient enough to lead me into deeper waters.

Are you longing for more? Do you wonder if you’re really living the life Jesus died (and raised) for you to live? Why not press through what you don’t understand and let your offense drive you to experience more of Jesus than you ever thought possible? He’s worth it. - Gunter