Vital signs- Sunday,November,26th, 2023

How Can We Let Go of Anger and Offense? 

Many of us are carrying offenses like accessories, not even realizing that they’re weighing us down. So how do we let go of our anger, our offense, or our frustration in a healthy way? 

1 Lower your expectations of others. 

2 Raise your gratitude for God’s grace. 

It sounds simple, but it’s not.

Jesus was never shocked by sin, yet we often are. We tend to point fingers, cast judgment, and get angry, but Jesus simply showed up, listened well, and offered truth and grace. 

As Jesus neared the end of His life, He knew that Peter would deny Him three different times. Peter refused to believe this, saying that he would never deny Jesus. But Jesus, knowing full well that betrayal was coming, gives this beautiful instruction to Peter: 

“… I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 NLT

Jesus wasn’t surprised by Peter’s actions nor offended at the pain they’d cause Him. Instead, He called him to greatness after his repentance. 

We can choose to give others that same gift. When someone hurts us or wrongs us, it’s easy to be offended. But how much better would it be to extend grace instead?  

We see another example of this with the woman who was caught in adultery in John chapter eight. The religious leaders wanted to stone her, but Jesus offers her mercy. He asks for anyone without sin to cast the first stone, and slowly, everyone walks away but Him. 

Often, we think that holding on to offense gives us power. We like being in the position to throw the stone, hurl the insult, or have the self-righteous opinion. But the truth is, like the woman, we’re all in desperate need of grace. 

It’s only by grace that we’ve been saved and rescued, so it only makes sense that we should extend that same mercy to those who have wronged us. 

We have options. We can keep holding onto offenses that keep us bitter and keep others hostage. Or we can choose to lay them down, remember grace, and find freedom. 

Pray: God, thank You for giving us undeserved grace. Help me remember and appreciate Your grace so that I can freely give it to others. I lay down the offenses I’ve been carrying, and I ask for healing instead. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Team Wade loves you and is praying for you ❤️👊