What Does the Bible Say About Offense?
The Bible addresses offense in a way that is both personal and theological. Offense can occur when we wrong others, when others wrong us, or when we reject God’s truth. Scripture warns against causing offense and against holding onto it. It also frames offense as a spiritual reality—rooted in sin, pride, and unforgiveness—that must be handled with wisdom and grace.
In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about offense, including its causes, dangers, and biblical remedies. We will also see how the Gospel offers freedom from living in offense, calling believers to reflect Christ’s mercy and truth.
1. Offense as Sin Against God
The Bible teaches that all sin is ultimately an offense against God. Passages in Ezekiel and Hosea portray Israel’s rebellion not merely as rule-breaking but as a personal insult to the covenant Lord. King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, confessed, “Against you, you only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4).
This means that before offense is horizontal—between people—it is vertical—against God. Recognizing this shifts our perspective, reminding us that sin is more than a personal grievance; it is a rejection of God’s holiness.
2. The Bible’s Warning About Giving Offense
Jesus clearly warned that offenses are inevitable in a fallen world, but He pronounced woe upon those through whom they come (Matthew 18:7). The Bible cautions believers to avoid causing offense, whether by careless words, unloving actions, or willful disregard for others’ conscience.
Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 10:32, urging Christians to “give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.” This does not mean avoiding the truth to keep people comfortable—it means living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and integrity, even when the truth itself may cause discomfort.
3. The Danger of Taking Offense
While Scripture warns against giving offense, it also warns against holding onto it. Proverbs 18:19 describes an offended person as “more unyielding than a fortified city,” highlighting the relational walls that offense can build.
Taking offense often leads to bitterness, resentment, and division within the body of Christ. The Bible’s antidote is humility, patience, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31–32). Proverbs 19:11 says, “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense,” showing that the godly response is often to let go rather than to retaliate.
4. Offense and the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The Gospel itself is called a “stumbling block” or offense to those who reject it (1 Corinthians 1:23). Jesus knew that some would take offense at His words and claims (Luke 7:23), yet He did not dilute His message to avoid confrontation.
For believers, this means we cannot compromise God’s truth to prevent offense. However, we must ensure that the offense people experience comes from the message of the Gospel itself—not from our personal pride, hypocrisy, or harshness.
5. Responding to Offense with Forgiveness
The Bible consistently calls believers to respond to offense with forgiveness. Jesus teaches that reconciliation should be pursued quickly (Matthew 5:23–24) and that forgiveness should be extended without limit (Matthew 18:21–22).
James 1:2–4 reframes the experience of trials—including offenses—by calling believers to “count it all joy” because such testing produces perseverance. In this way, offense becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth when met with patience and grace.
6. Living Free From the Trap of Offense
The Bible warns that offense can become a trap, immobilizing believers in bitterness and robbing them of joy. By forgiving others, we free ourselves from that trap and reflect the mercy we have received in Christ.
Living free from offense requires a conscious choice to trust God with justice, to overlook minor wrongs, and to confront serious wrongs in love. It is a life shaped not by emotional reactions but by the steady character of Christ formed in us through the Spirit.
Conclusion
The Bible presents offense as both a danger to avoid and a challenge to overcome. Believers are called not to cause offense unnecessarily and not to hold onto offense when it comes.
Ultimately, the Gospel provides the power to live without being mastered by offense. By keeping our eyes on Christ, who endured the ultimate offense of the cross for our salvation, we can forgive, reconcile, and live in the freedom of His peace.
Bible Verses About Offense
Proverbs 18:19 – “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Psalm 51:4 – “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.”
Ezekiel 18:30–31 – “Repent and turn from all your offenses, then sin will not be your downfall.”
Matthew 18:7 – “Woe to the one through whom offenses come!”
Luke 7:23 – “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
1 Corinthians 10:32 – “Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”
Ephesians 4:31–32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
James 1:2–4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…”
Matthew 18:21–22 – Jesus’ teaching to forgive “seventy-seven times.”
