Scripture — Matthew 24:10 (KJV)
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”
The Story: A Faithful Servant Who Walked Away
For fifteen years, Sister Margaret faithfully served her church. She prayed, gave, volunteered, encouraged others, and supported her pastor.
One Sunday, her pastor publicly corrected her in a manner she considered humiliating.
She was embarrassed, hurt, and deeply offended.
That Sunday, she left the church building saying, “I will never allow another pastor to hurt me again.”
At first, Margaret simply stopped attending church. Then she stopped reading her Bible. Eventually, her prayer life diminished, and her conversations became filled with resentment toward Christians and church leadership.
The very woman who once encouraged others to trust God began questioning everything she once believed.
Her offense began with a person, but her spiritual withdrawal began affecting her relationship with God.
The Biblical Lesson
Jesus warned that many would become offended. Offense can become dangerous when it is allowed to produce bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, and ultimately rejection of truth.
Hebrews 12:15 (KJV) declares “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
Margaret’s hurt was real. The pastor’s conduct deserved accountability. But her spiritual future did not have to be determined by that painful encounter.
She could seek healing, establish healthy boundaries, find trustworthy spiritual fellowship, and remain committed to Christ.
Three Powerful Lessons
1. Offense must be addressed before it becomes bitterness. Unresolved pain can influence our decisions, relationships, and spiritual convictions.
2. Do not confuse the failures of people with the faithfulness of God. Church leaders are accountable for their conduct, but Christ remains faithful.
3. Guard your relationship with God. You may need to leave a harmful environment, but you do not have to abandon your faith.
A Question for the Heart
“Have you allowed what someone did against you to change what you once believed about God?”
But do not allow your wounds to become the reason you abandon biblical truth.
Closing Exhortation
You may have been wounded in the place where you expected to be healed, rejected where you expected acceptance, or disappointed by those you trusted.
Be healed, but do not become hardened. Be discerning, but do not become deceived. Be restored, but do not fall away.
Written by Dr. Althea Winifred
