We live in a world where people are both offensive and easily offended. God’s Word reminds us to search our hearts and ask, “Am I being offensive? Am I easily offended?” The truth is, being offended is unavoidable, but living offended is a choice. There’s no win in holding on to offense. It never brings joy, heals relationships, or draws us closer to God. The challenge for us is to shake off the hurt, the anger, and the offense—and not give the enemy a foothold in our lives.

When we hold on to bitterness or anger, we give the devil access to our hearts, our families, and even our church. His plan is simple: divide, distract, and discredit God’s people. He wants us angry, judgmental, and focused on being “right” instead of being loving. But Scripture calls us to something higher, to “not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The same day you’re hurt can be the same day you choose healing. Imagine how different our homes, friendships, and world would be if we chose forgiveness instead of offense.

Paul tells us to let no unwholesome talk come from our mouths, only words that build others up. That means no name-calling, yelling, shaming, or dragging up the past. Righteous anger is rare; most of the time it’s self-righteous anger that grieves God’s Spirit. Instead, we’re called to get rid of all bitterness, rage, slander, and malice—and to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as Christ forgave us. True kindness and forgiveness happen up close, when we take time to listen, to understand, and to love people who are different from us.

It’s easy to think the problem is “those people,” but if we’re honest, there’s a little self-righteousness in all of us. That’s why we need to pray, “Search me, O God, and show me where I’m offensive.” Ask Him to root out arrogance, anger, and judgment so the enemy has no place in your heart. You will get offended, but by God’s grace, you don’t have to live offended. Every minute spent angry is a minute of joy and peace lost. So don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Shake it off, walk in forgiveness, and let your life reflect the love of Christ in a divided world that desperately needs a united church.

Scriptures – Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32 (NIV); Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

Verses – “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ep 4:26-27) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ep 4:29) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ep 4:32)

Discussion – Why do you think it’s so easy to become offended in today’s world? How can you choose not to live offended? The message says, “There’s no win in being offended.” Can you think of a time when holding on to offense hurt you or others? Ephesians 4:26 says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” What would it look like in real life to practice that kind of forgiveness daily?

Prayer – Dear God, search my heart and show me where I’m holding on to offense or anger. Help me to let go of bitterness and choose forgiveness instead. Teach me to be kind, compassionate, and patient with others, just as You have been with me. Keep the enemy from gaining any foothold in my life and fill me with Your peace and love so I can reflect Jesus in all I do. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.