Offense

Offenses will come! The question is how much will we allow it to affect us.  I believe that offense is a fiery dart developed by the enemy with the sole purpose of stealing our love. God has called us to love; not only Him but the people around us. And the hurt and pain that comes with offense if not released, will only affect our ability to trust people thus affecting our love for them. I think our need for vindication makes it difficult to truly let go.We think by letting go were saying that what happened to us was ok. It's not that letting go is saying what happened is ok, it's just saying that what happened isn't going to have power over you anymore, causing you to not be able to move on. That is what holding on to offense does. It keeps you stuck in that moment. It causes you to see the rest of the world through it's lens, cautiously approaching people with an expectation that somewhere along the line they will hurt you. In the end this affects our ability to have fellowship with others because we constantly feel the need to protect ourselves. As difficult as it may be God has called us to love those around us including our enemies and that vengeance is His.
"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay,"says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"(Romans 12:19-21). By not allowing offense to take root in our lives in essence we are overcoming evil with good.  
Be Blessed!!