The Bait
And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Matthew 24:10
1. Offenses are going to happen.
2. The opportunities for new offenses are Limitless.
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come… Luke 17:1
Offense is the Greek Word SKANDALON: the bait
that triggers a trap to close when an animal touches it
Holding on to an offense allows bitterness
to sink its fangs into your heart.
God’s plans for your future are too big for you to hold on to small offenses from your past.
Avoiding an offense is impossible
but living offended is a choice
.A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
1. The Wisest People Overlook Offenses.
If your brother sins against you... seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3-5
And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:3-5
2. Overlooking Offense = "Pass Over / Step Over” it.
3. Step Over an Offense = Close the Gap
with Love.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12
Two options with an offense:
Accuse – assume the worst
about someone
Love – Assume the Best
about someone’s intentions
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Discussion Questions:
What’s a funny or random thing that has offended you before (like traffic, social media, or even Chick-fil-A drive-thru merging)?
On a scale of 1–10, how easily do you think you get offended? Why?
Have you ever been caught in the trap of offense? What happened, and how did it affect your relationships, joy, or walk with God?
How do small offenses (like online comments, driving, or coworkers) add up to create big bitterness over time?
Why do you think overlooking offense feels weak in the moment—but is actually a sign of wisdom and strength?
What’s one offense you’re holding onto right now? What would it look like to “step over it” instead of staying stuck in it?
Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved
