Offense is a stumbling block that Satan uses to keep many Christians from experiencing life to the fullest. You probably will not progress in your relationship with God if, every time someone hurts your feelings, you get offended. The word for offense that is used in the New Testament means "the part of the trap on which the bait lies to lure in its victim," and offense is part of Satan's trap to keep us from going forward in our walk with God.

The apostle Paul was offended by other brothers in Christ, but in each instance he decided to leave the person with God. For example, there was a man named Alexander, who did Paul a great deal of harm. What's Paul's response? The Lord will pay him back (2 Timothy 4:14). In that same passage, Paul writes about how various people have left him: At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. However, he asks God, May it not be held against them (2 Timothy 4:16).

Paul may not have had power in his ministry had he been bitter towards others. Decide to forgive others through the power of God's grace. If you're offended about something others did to you, ask God, May it not be held against them. Forgiveness is the solution.

Part of real, genuine love is correcting others. God says in Revelation 3:19, Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. If God's spirit is correcting you, then that a sign that he loves you. God loves you enough to risk offending you so that he can guide you away from things that might harm you.

Don't get mad at someone who corrects you; rather, rejoice that you're given a chance to grow and change. If you're wise, you'll appreciate and love the people who correct you (Proverbs 9:8)

Parents aren't showing their children love if they never correct them. If your little boy is being mean to other kids, but you chose not to correct him, then he'll probably never change. However, if you love him enough that you want him to improve his behavior, then you'll correct him so that you can guide him in a different direction.

When someone corrects you, don't become angry at them. Recognize that they're simply trying to help you. Accept their correction as direction.