“I refuse to be offended.”
This attitude is demonstrated by the woman from Canaan, whose daughter was vexed by a devil. This mother was desperate. Jesus, his response would offend an average person. However, we see in her a faith that refused to be offended.”
Jesus looked at her and said to this woman,
“It is not right, you know,” Jesus replied, “to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
Her response shows us her unique insight.
“Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” She responds.
Jesus responds… “Great Faith you have, and you will receive what you ask.”
This woman knew this. “Lord, I refuse to be offended, I will rejoice in the scraps!”
Can your faith hold up under God saying no?
Can your faith hold up under what seems offensive to your sensibilities?
Sadly, so many people have been offended by what the Lord said. While reading the Word, they are offended by the Word even while it is taught and preached.
Why are we so easily offended by the Word of God?
I suggest it speaks to our being easily offended in life, specifically when the Lord does not cater to our sense of importance.
We see this as a common condition. In the parable of the sower, the seed that was sowed in stony ground, Jesus reveals why they lose the benefit of the seed.
“Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Matthew 13:21
Being offended easily will destroy so much potential in people.
Jesus declared this insight to His disciples,
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
Luke 7:23
The woman of Canaan shows us the way; great faith refuses to be offended.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165
Faith that refuses to be offended will love the laws, precepts, will, and Word of God.