On Guarding Your Heart from Offense

As God's representatives here on earth, we are responsible to guard our actions and words towards others.

Before I go on, this is not me passing judgement. Trust me, I need this lesson as much as anyone.

As far as responsibilities go, we should also guard our own hearts from becoming offended. This is essential in the life of faith.

When we are offended, bitterness can quickly take root in our hearts, leading to other consuming issues in the body {and within the body of Christ, as well}.

God has given us the choice, as bishop of our own hearts, to take control over offense and more. The term bishop in the New Testament relates to elder, pastor, or overseer. Each of these roles involves responsibility over something or someone.

You can relate the term bishop to the oversight you have over yourself—over your own heart.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled…” Hebrews 12.15 (ESV)

This Scripture holds an important lesson on accountability and avoiding offense. If you have the time, stop now, and read Hebrews 12.1-15.

Points to note in the Hebrews 12 passage.

• “Let us also lay aside every weight, and […] run with endurance the race…” 12.1 (ESV)

• “[Let us look] to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” 12.2

• “It is for discipline that you have to endure…” 12.7

• “He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” 12.10

• “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” 12.14

• “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble…” 12.15

Notice the progression in Hebrews twelve—which follows on the heels of chapter eleven’s biblical “Who’s Who” in the faith.

As chapter twelve begins, the author seems to be saying, “The stage has been set by those who’ve gone before. Let us join the parade and run the race Jesus has laid out for us. First, though…discipline is required.”

If we desire to share (partner in, partake of, receive) his holiness (purification, sanctification), AND see the Lord, we must be disciplined and strive for peace with everyone. This should be, for us, a non-negotiable element of the Christian life.

In this present day, I think we all could agree that anytime is a good time for peace. And, as a reminder, we are called of God to be bearers of peace.

Verse fifteen clarifies that all of this is tied to two things: God’s grace and avoiding bitterness. Friend, we cannot bishop our own heart without the gracious grace of our Lord. We also require His help to avoid offense in this life.

It is our responsibility to take the steps to become disciplined in the faith. This obedience—and keeping our eyes on Jesus—helps us to strive for peace in every situation. It is not always easy, but it is what we must work towards.

God has given you the choice, as bishop of your own heart, to take control over offense. Can you dedicate yourself to this, today? Let’s commit to this, together, and pray for one another in it.

Father, we seek to guard our actions and words, as Your representatives on earth. Teach us, also, to bishop our own hearts and avoid offense. We receive Your grace that empowers us to keep the faith and stay the course. Amen.

1BlueLetterBible.org https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/heb/12/1/t_conc_1145014