Letting Go Of Offense
"A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense." – Proverbs 19:11
It’s almost instinctive to hold on when someone hurts us. Even small slights—an unreturned message, a sarcastic comment, a forgotten kindness—can build up into a wall of resentment. We squeeze these hurts tightly, believing perhaps it’s justice. Yet, wisdom, Proverbs says, looks different. The truly wise and glorious person is patient enough, humble enough, and free enough to let go.
To let go of offense is not to condone wrongdoing or allow yourself to be mistreated. Rather, it is deciding that carrying resentment is too heavy a burden for your soul. Holding on to minor (and sometimes not-so-minor) wrongs poisons our relationships and hearts. Resentment discolors our view of others, blocks reconciliation, and keeps our hands too full to receive God’s greater gifts.
Patience is born from remembering that we ourselves are recipients of daily mercy. God’s patience is our lifelong reality. Every offense we have committed against Him is forgiven and erased. When we let go of offense, even at cost to our pride, we imitate His heart and invite healing into our own lives.
Letting go is rarely a once-and-done act. It’s a choice we may have to repeat, sometimes daily, until freedom replaces bitterness. When we do, we claim the “glory” the proverb speaks of—a radiant spirit, a free heart, and relationships that flourish.
Who comes to mind when you think of a recent slight or hurt? Ask God to help you release that person from the debt you feel they owe. Pray blessing over them. If able, reach out with an act of kindness or at least stop rehearsing the old wound. Journal how you feel after laying down the offense.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I want to live free from resentment. Remind me of Your mercy every time I am tempted to count someone else’s wrongs. Replace bitterness with patience and pride with humility, making room for Your healing love to flow. I lay down my rights and pick up Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
It’s almost instinctive to hold on when someone hurts us. Even small slights—an unreturned message, a sarcastic comment, a forgotten kindness—can build up into a wall of resentment. We squeeze these hurts tightly, believing perhaps it’s justice. Yet, wisdom, Proverbs says, looks different. The truly wise and glorious person is patient enough, humble enough, and free enough to let go.
To let go of offense is not to condone wrongdoing or allow yourself to be mistreated. Rather, it is deciding that carrying resentment is too heavy a burden for your soul. Holding on to minor (and sometimes not-so-minor) wrongs poisons our relationships and hearts. Resentment discolors our view of others, blocks reconciliation, and keeps our hands too full to receive God’s greater gifts.
Patience is born from remembering that we ourselves are recipients of daily mercy. God’s patience is our lifelong reality. Every offense we have committed against Him is forgiven and erased. When we let go of offense, even at cost to our pride, we imitate His heart and invite healing into our own lives.
Letting go is rarely a once-and-done act. It’s a choice we may have to repeat, sometimes daily, until freedom replaces bitterness. When we do, we claim the “glory” the proverb speaks of—a radiant spirit, a free heart, and relationships that flourish.
Who comes to mind when you think of a recent slight or hurt? Ask God to help you release that person from the debt you feel they owe. Pray blessing over them. If able, reach out with an act of kindness or at least stop rehearsing the old wound. Journal how you feel after laying down the offense.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I want to live free from resentment. Remind me of Your mercy every time I am tempted to count someone else’s wrongs. Replace bitterness with patience and pride with humility, making room for Your healing love to flow. I lay down my rights and pick up Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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10 Comments
This is perfect... Just what needed to read. Love it and will keep a copy handy for reference when needed. God is good
Amen
Amén Pastor Ed, thank you for your guidance I am very grateful for these devotions and all that CBC has to offer I truly want to be a good Steward and follow the Commandments and apply them to my life blessings to you and your family today's a new day and I shall rejoice in it
As I wrote in my prayer book, I was venting to God about resentment towards someone who has caused me a great deal of pain and needing guidance on how to let that anger go and move on. It has been a while since I have opened up my daily devotions, but I was drawn to this one at the sight of the title.
nLord, thank you for speaking to me at a time I needed to hear you. Thank you for guiding me with my hurt and allowing me the opportunity to turn it into healing and release.
How great is our God
Pastor Ed, are you reading my journal? I work at a call center LOL.
amén!
I’m too tired to be resentful these days, but I am in fear. I tried to help someone I used to work with and every day now I am dealing with him trying to make me look bad and set me up for failure at this new lifeline of a job. I am praying asking God for help and trying to be careful not to be angry. It’s difficult to restrain myself when he is doing things intentionally to try and rile me up. I have been looking at my expectations so I can avoid those traps. I have other friends struggling bad too. Where it would be so easy to be angry considering their situation I am watching as he is basically homeless at haven for hope with his two kids he now has custody of without any resentment towards the other mom who put their lives in danger. It’s admirable and I hope I can take my situation without any anger or resentment like he is. I am grateful for Jesus helping me with His enormous faithfulness and grace. With this long journey I have been in with work only He is able to make everything work together for my good. Keep my family safe back home and keep all of us safe here at work. Thank you Pastor Ed for your timely posts and for ministering to us where I can still attend our services at cbc while being so far away. I am living on grace alone at this point. Love you guys
Amen, I recieved this.
Wise words. It’s just very difficult when that person you find resentment towards is yourself.
nI can forgive others but find it monumentally arduous to forgive myself.