What is the Bible's view on taking offense?

Definition of Offense in Scripture

The concept of taking offense in Scripture often centers around the term “stumbling block,” derived from the Greek word “skandalon” (e.g., Matthew 18:7). This notion refers both to causing someone else to sin and to experiencing personal indignation or hurt. In practical terms, it covers moments when individuals feel slighted, wronged, or annoyed.

Scripture portrays the offense as a serious matter, not merely a passing emotion. Offense can break down relationships, hinder growth in faith, and create divisions within a community. Thus, the Bible repeatedly calls believers to pursue unity, protect one another’s consciences, and guard their hearts against resentment.

Biblical Principles for Handling Offense

When Scripture directly addresses taking offense, it emphasizes humility, forgiveness, and love.

1. Desire Peace and Edification: Romans 14:19 exhorts, “So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Instead of harboring offense, believers are encouraged to be peacemakers who seek communal growth.

2. Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven: In Matthew 18:21–22, Peter asks how many times he must forgive a brother who sins against him. Jesus answers, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times,” illustrating continual and boundless forgiveness.

3. Avoid Quick Offense: James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,” reminding readers that restraint in the face of offense offers time for God’s wisdom to bring resolution.

4. Seek Restoration: Matthew 18:15 urges, “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” Rather than withdrawing in offense, Scripture calls for direct, loving communication aimed at healing.

Examples of Offense in Biblical Narrative

1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4): The first recorded account of offense leading to violence shows how unchecked hatred destroyed brotherly bonds. Cain’s offense at God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering—rather than seeking repentance—proved devastating.

2. Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37–50): Despite grave offenses, Joseph ultimately forgave his brothers, telling them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His response displayed a lack of bitterness and a readiness to trust God’s purposes.

3. Jesus’ Teaching on the Pharisees: On several occasions, the Pharisees took offense at Jesus’ words (e.g., Matthew 15:12). Their offended hearts prevented them from receiving truth. This emphasizes how a resistant or prideful attitude can block understanding.

The Disposition of Christ Toward Offense

While Jesus exposed hypocrisy and confronted sin, He also modeled a remarkable willingness to forgive. On the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Furthermore, Jesus taught that there is blessing for those who refuse to be tripped up by Him or His teaching (Matthew 11:6). The Lord recognized that the message of truth can bring offense, but He also assured blessing to those who remain steadfast in faith rather than turning away.

Practical Advice on Avoiding and Resolving Offenses

1. Cultivate Humility: Ephesians 4:2–3 instructs, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” A humble approach reduces the likelihood of taking or giving offense.

2. Address Issues Early: Prolonged resentment can grow into bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Real conversations, gentle rebukes, or apologies lighten the burden before it becomes unmanageable.

3. Overlook Trivial Wrongs: Proverbs 19:11 says, “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” By focusing on essential matters of faith and love, one can sidestep minor slights without letting frustration fester.

4. Pray for Offenders: Luke 6:28 advises believers to bless those who persecute them and pray for those who mistreat them. Prayer reorients the heart away from vindictiveness, reminding believers of God’s justice and mercy.

Eternal Perspective and the Heart of Forgiveness

Biblical teaching on offense highlights the necessity of keeping an eternal perspective. First Corinthians 13:5 describes love as not easily angered and keeping “no account of wrongs.” This attitude is cultivated through recognizing one’s own forgiveness in Christ.

The Bible frames taking offense as potentially destructive but also addresses how God’s redemptive plan overcomes all human failings. Believers who embrace divine forgiveness are empowered to forgive others. This approach transforms personal relationships, matures the church, and glorifies God.

Archaeological and Historical Support for These Teachings

The wealth of manuscripts and archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran, lend historical support to biblical texts that emphasize the principles of forgiveness and unity. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain fragments that align with the future New Testament themes of seeking peace and shunning bitterness, illustrating the consistent testimony of Scripture across centuries of transmission.

Writings from early church leaders (e.g., Clement of Rome, Ignatius) echo the biblical message on community harmony and the danger of holding grudges. Their quotations align with the preserved manuscripts, illustrating that these teachings have been understood similarly by believers from the earliest centuries onward.

Conclusion

Scripture’s view on taking offense is both sober and hopeful, highlighting that offense is a real danger, yet showing believers how to rise above it in Christ. By embracing humility, practicing forgiveness, seeking reconciliation, and relying on prayer, people can avoid stumbling and preserve unity.

Ultimately, this biblical perspective rests on God’s redemptive plan. As followers of Christ accept God’s own mercy toward them, they become vessels of that mercy to others. Even in a world where offense seems inevitable, the Bible provides a clear path of patience and restoration—one that aligns with the heart of God.