The Spirit of Offense: It’s Impossible That No Offenses Should Come
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come (Luke 17:1)”.
Understanding and Overcoming One of the Enemy’s Most Subtle Traps
Jesus’s words in Luke 17:1 resonate profoundly. “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come. But woe to anyone through whom they come.” With this simple yet powerful statement, Christ underscored a universal truth about human existence—offenses are inevitable. Yet, how we navigate these offenses shapes not only our relationships but also the state of our souls.
Today, as I reflect on societal dynamics, the pervasive spirit of offense can’t be overlooked. Public discourse is exchanged on social media like Tweeter. Political party leaders, government leaders, and even the President contribute to the ongoing discord in America. Racial tensions continue to surface, and political rhetoric on social media drives wedges deeper between individuals and communities.
The Trap of Offense
The spirit of offense is not merely a passing irritation or a fleeting hurt feeling. It is an insidious force that imprisons countless individuals—Christians and nonbelievers alike. It severs relationships, creates division, and prevents reconciliation. Offense causes wounds that fester into bitterness, and bitterness, once rooted, defiles not just one person but many. As Hebrews 12:15 warns us: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God.” Ensure no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Offenses can arise from countless sources. The media and social platforms regularly showcase incidents that spark outrage. This can include a neighbor’s careless remark. It can also be a politician’s controversial stance or even an innocent misstep that’s blown out of proportion. These triggers fuel the fire of offense, leaving individuals hurt, angry, and often vindictive.
A Nation Ensnared
The Perils of Division and Discontent
On a national level, the spirit of offense has woven itself deeply into the fabric of modern society. This has created fractures that seem increasingly difficult to mend. Social media, once a tool for connection and expression, now often serves as an amplifier of anger, frustration, and divisions. The digital age has turned platforms into battlegrounds where the seeds of bitterness take root and flourish. An isolated post, drenched in outrage, can ignite a chain reaction. One person’s grievance becomes another’s rallying cry. This amplifies and spreads the discord. Entire communities find themselves ensnared in this web of discontent, as the boundaries between genuine grievances and amplified outrage blur.
This phenomenon is not without precedent. The events of January 6, 2021, underscored the dangerous potential of a nation ensnared by unchecked narratives and emotional fervor. On that day, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. The attack was fueled by unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Despite repeated dismissals of such claims by courts, election officials, and independent audits, the narrative persisted. It gained momentum through social media. Traditional media also contributed to this momentum. The result was a moment of national reckoning. There was a violent disruption of the certification of Electoral College results. It represented a direct challenge to the democratic process. It served as a stark reminder of the fragility of institutions once thought unassailable. During my research, I noticed an intriguing detail. References to this incident were removed from the Department of Justice website. This raises questions about the documentation and preservation of such consequential events.
Racial tensions continue to surface, and political rhetoric on social media drives wedges deeper between individuals and communities. In the midst of everything, I see one of the enemy’s most effective traps at work. The spirit of offense is quietly tearing apart people’s lives. It is doing so in a devastating manner. The root of bitterness, whether planted digitally or through political rhetoric, grows with alarming rapidity when left unchecked. It not only divides communities but also destabilizes the foundational principles of governance and mutual respect. As a nation, the challenge lies not just in addressing individual grievances. It is also crucial to recognize and combat the broader culture of offense that fuels them. Only by fostering understanding can a nation hope for liberation from division. Emphasizing accountability and encouraging constructive dialogue are key to overcoming discontent.
A Nation Ensnared
On a national level, the spirit of offense has manifested in ways that are impossible to ignore. Social media has become a breeding ground for discontent and division. Every day, platforms are flooded with posts that express anger, frustration, and bitterness. The spread is viral—one person’s offense ignites another’s, and soon, entire communities are ensnared. The root of bitterness, once planted, grows and spreads with alarming rapidity.
This is not just a cultural problem; it is a spiritual one. Satan is described in 2 Corinthians 4:4 as “the god of this world.” He blinds the minds of unbelievers. As a result, they can’t see the light of the gospel. Still, the tragedy lies in the fact that offense doesn’t stop at the doors of the church. Even within the body of Christ, many are wounded, hurt, and bitter. They are offended yet unaware that they have fallen into Satan’s trap.
In part 2 I will reflect more on the the spiritual consequences of offense.
May the love of Christ shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
afrancinegreen.com 