That Fox of Offense

               Feigned conflict between my children.         

"Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards!" (Song of Solomon 2:15)

 In the Song of Songs written in beautiful, metaphoric language, a romance unfolds between King Solomon and his lovely Shulamite bride, who invites the king to come and enjoy the sweet fruit of her vineyard. But, beware! A sly enemy has slipped unnoticed among the vines on mission to steal, kill, and destroy the luscious fruit of love.

What are the "little foxes" in our lives that spoil love relationships with others as well as with our God? Several intruders may come to mind such as discouragement, worry, selfishness, busyness, low self-esteem, or pride. However, there is one "little fox" (especially for us girls) that in reality is a ravenous wolf seeking someone to devour; namely that "fox" of getting our feelings hurt or being offended.

Our wicked enemy, the devil, knows very well our places of sensitivity and weakness! With one swift attack of offense, we can be rendered totally deflated, disheartened, embittered, or emotionally paralyzed, unable to move forward in God's kingdom, if we allow that imprisoning chain of offense (which has the power to separate friends, families, marriages, or even separate us from Christ's church) to remain heavily hung about our necks!

Having our feelings hurt may come from unkind words or deeds of another person but holding on to that offense is our choice! It is written: "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse, so choose life in order that you may live, you and your children." (Deut. 30:19) Holding on to hurt is choosing death. Forgiving the offender and casting the pain upon Jesus is choosing life and walking in obedience!

"Loose yourself from the chains around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion!" (Isa. 52:2) Never forget that people are not the enemy!!! "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against…the spiritual forces of wickedness." (Eph. 6:12) "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to (recognize and) stand firm against the schemes of the devil." (Eph. 6:11) I dare say that to remain offended, is to allow victory in the enemy camp.

Do we want to be pitiful or powerful women of God? "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength if His might." (Eph. 6:10) Learning the secret of becoming "unoffendable" will transform our lives, our relationships, our churches, and our usefulness to God in this world. "Let us cleanse ourselves from (offenses), be vessels of honor, sanctified, meet for the Master's use, and prepared for every good work!" (2 Tim. 2:21). "Casting all your cares upon (Jesus), for He cares (deeply) for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

       Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote: "God stands prepared to take your load (that surpasses your strength) and to carry it for you. Will you let Him?" And then, with God’s help, march on in His strength, “forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13b-14)!

       “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my beloved (sisters), be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:57-58).