Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today – I am quick to offend but slow in my confession.
James 5:16 TPT
[16] Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!
Observation
How often do I offend others and then move on without another thought? I am seeing today people who are brothers and sisters in God offending each other. It seems we will break the ‘law of love’ from the righteous position of correcting someone’s position who we believe, based on our position, is wrong. Offence replaces love and there is no confession, no acknowledgement, no prayer for one another, no healing, just another rift, another divide, another disunity, within the family. Can we hear ourselves? We destroy the prayer ‘make them one’ under the misgiving that our correction with offence is Godly behaviour.
What if we went about releasing ‘instant healing’ on our family? What if our offences were followed with haste with our confession and acknowledgement and prayer? Imagine a humble church, that defended the priority of love for each other above every doctrinal distinctive. It’s not agreeing, it’s disagreement without offence. The world tears down anyone who stands in opposition, the kingdom loves those who we disagree with. Can we acknowledge when we operate under the principles of the world, and confess and heal? If we look no different then there is no attraction. Love is meant to be our difference, but we offend just like the world and we massacre love on the battlefield of righteous rightness. We sacrifice so much of the heart of scripture when we fight over the crumbs. There must be a better way, maybe James is calling us to that higher, better way.
Application
I will listen for when I am offensive. I will learn how to love in disagreement. I will be quick to confess, acknowledge and pray for any I see I have offended. I would rather be releasing healing than be on my soap box of right. I will not sacrifice the law of love on any altar, there is no issue that overrides the law of love, God needs no defence that is not given from love. I will not assume I am right but posture myself as a fellow journeyer on the path of walking with God.
Response
Thank you that you call me to non-offence and correction of offence. My life is to be lived in your love and reflect that love. Thank you that you give healing power to my confession and prayer for others I have offended.
Meditation
Meditate – Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another.
Consider:
How often do I justify my offences?
How often do I confess and acknowledge my offences?
JOURNEY DEEPER
