Introduction: We can offend others as well as being offended. Here is a brief study on this subject taken from one passage of Scripture. It is a follow up from a previous devotion. 

1. We can offend others! (Luke 17:1,2) – “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”

Can we be an offense and not even know it?

The word “offense” is σκανδαλίζω,(skan-dal-id’-zo): It means to “put a snare (in the way), to cause to stumble, or to give offense. Furthermore, it can have to do with causing someone else to sin. 

Has that happened to you? Perhaps every parent or person for that matter must admit to causing someone else to stumble. However, Jesus Christ stated the seriousness of doing such; i.e. hanging a milestone – heavy rock – around one’s neck and thrown into the sea.

2. We can be offended but make it right! (Luke 17:3,4,5,6) – Yes. Listen to the words of our Lord. 

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”

Don’t forget. Forgiveness is a choice. But remember Jesus forgives us, if we trust Him. 

3. Faith is the key to making it right! (Luke 17:5,6) – “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

Notice the word “Sycamine tree”. It is συκάμινος, (soo-kam’-ee-nos), which is the mulberry tree, a black mulberry. Jesus said real Faith can pluck it up – from the roots – and thrown into the sea where it dies! 

Conclusion: Offenses happen. But they need to be made right if possible. Jesus can make it right.

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