Whether it's something someone said, did, or didn't do, we’re constantly bombarded with reasons to take up an offense; yet as followers of Jesus we get to choose how we'll react in those moments. Unfortunately, for many around us, anger and offense have become the norm, as if it's our right to be offended at every little thing that crosses our path. It’s almost like we’ve been taught that staying angry and holding onto our grudges is a strength—a way to prove that we're right, that we're justified. But the gospel of grace flips this narrative on its head.
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He’s asking us to embrace a completely different way of living. Remember when He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers"? (Matthew 5:9) Not the grudge-holders, not the rage-tweeters, but the peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means letting go of the right to be offended. That doesn't mean we're naïve or dismiss injustice, but it does mean we understand that our anger isn't our weapon—it’s our burden. And Jesus invites us to lay it down.
Think about it: how often have we said, "I’m rightfully angry!" as if our anger is what makes us righteous? But Scripture teaches us that our anger can quickly become a breeding ground for sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). When we choose to hold onto our anger, it hardens our hearts. It blinds us to God’s grace at work in others, and it slowly suffocates the joy and peace Jesus has promised us.
But what if we lived differently? What if we became known as a people who aren't easily offended? What if we refused to cling to anger, even when it feels justified? There’s real power in letting go. When we stop holding onto our "right" to be angry, we create space for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We become free to love others radically (even our enemies), just as Jesus loves us.
This isn't about becoming passive or letting others walk all over us; it's about choosing to love over choosing to be right. It’s about saying, "My need to be angry is less important than my call to be loving."
Here’s the challenge: the next time you find yourself offended or angry, pause. Reflect on what’s really happening in your heart. Are you defending your right to be angry, or are you willing to lay it down at the foot of the cross? Ask God to help you release that offense, to make you quick to forgive and slow to anger.
In a world that thrives on outrage, let's be different. Let’s live in a way that reflects the grace we’ve been shown. Jesus didn't demand His rights when He went to the cross—He laid them down. And He's inviting us to do the same.
Peace,
Nick
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He’s asking us to embrace a completely different way of living. Remember when He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers"? (Matthew 5:9) Not the grudge-holders, not the rage-tweeters, but the peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means letting go of the right to be offended. That doesn't mean we're naïve or dismiss injustice, but it does mean we understand that our anger isn't our weapon—it’s our burden. And Jesus invites us to lay it down.
Think about it: how often have we said, "I’m rightfully angry!" as if our anger is what makes us righteous? But Scripture teaches us that our anger can quickly become a breeding ground for sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). When we choose to hold onto our anger, it hardens our hearts. It blinds us to God’s grace at work in others, and it slowly suffocates the joy and peace Jesus has promised us.
But what if we lived differently? What if we became known as a people who aren't easily offended? What if we refused to cling to anger, even when it feels justified? There’s real power in letting go. When we stop holding onto our "right" to be angry, we create space for God to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We become free to love others radically (even our enemies), just as Jesus loves us.
This isn't about becoming passive or letting others walk all over us; it's about choosing to love over choosing to be right. It’s about saying, "My need to be angry is less important than my call to be loving."
Here’s the challenge: the next time you find yourself offended or angry, pause. Reflect on what’s really happening in your heart. Are you defending your right to be angry, or are you willing to lay it down at the foot of the cross? Ask God to help you release that offense, to make you quick to forgive and slow to anger.
In a world that thrives on outrage, let's be different. Let’s live in a way that reflects the grace we’ve been shown. Jesus didn't demand His rights when He went to the cross—He laid them down. And He's inviting us to do the same.
Peace,
Nick