Overcoming the Spirit of Offense and Bitterness
Explore the dangers of harboring offense and bitterness, and how to overcome these destructive attitudes. Through scripture, biblical examples, and practical strategies, we'll learn how to cultivate a spirit of grace and forgiveness in our daily lives.
Lesson from by Apostle Dr. Delisa Rodgers, M.Ed. Ed. Admin., Th.D.
Recognizing Offense and Bitterness

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Opening Prayer
Ask God to open hearts, reveal any hidden offenses, and promote healing and restoration.

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Objective
Define offense and bitterness, understand their dangers, and learn to respond with grace.

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Key Verse
Luke 17:1 - "Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come…'"

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Discussion Starter
Have you ever experienced a situation where hurt or bitterness took root in your heart? How did it affect your relationships and your relationship with God?
The Spirit of Offense as a Trap

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Scripture Reading
Matthew 24:10-12 – Jesus warns of offense in the last days, where "many will be offended and betray one another."

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Biblical Example: Cain and Abel
Genesis 4:3-8 – Cain was offended and bitter when God accepted Abel's offering but not his. This bitterness led to hatred and ultimately murder.

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Discussion Points
How did offense escalate in Cain's heart? What does this story teach us about how unchecked offense can lead to destructive outcomes?

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Coping Strategy
Be Quick to Examine Your Heart: Just as God questioned Cain before he acted in anger, we should pause and assess our heart's condition when we start to feel offended.
Consequences of Harboring Bitterness
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 12:15 - "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
Biblical Example: Esau
Genesis 27:41 – Esau became bitter after his brother Jacob received his father's blessing, which Esau felt was rightfully his. His bitterness led to a desire for revenge.
Insights and Activity
IHarboring bitterness impacts our relationship with God and our ability to love others freely. Reflect on how bitterness has impacted relationships and communities you've been a part of.
Coping Strategy: Practice Gratitude and Forgiveness
Recognize the Impact
Understand how bitterness affects your relationships and spiritual life.
Choose Gratitude
Focus on what you have instead of what you've lost.
Embrace Forgiveness
Just as Esau later chose to forgive Jacob, we should seek to let go of resentment.
Seek God's Perspective
Ask God to help you see the situation through His eyes.
Forgiveness as the Key to Breaking Free from Bitterness

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Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:31-32 – Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness is essential for our own freedom.

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Biblical Example: Joseph
Genesis 50:19-21 – Joseph was betrayed by his brothers but chose forgiveness over bitterness. This decision not only healed his heart but also restored his family.

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Discussion Questions
What does Joseph's response to his brothers teach us about forgiveness? How can forgiveness bring freedom from offense and bitterness?

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Action Step
Name specific people you need to forgive and ask God for the strength to release these offenses.
Coping Strategy: Shift Focus to God's Plan
Trust in God's Purpose
Like Joseph, trust that God can work all things for good.
Gain Perspective
See beyond your current hurt to the bigger picture of God's plan.
Surrender Control
Release bitterness by surrendering the situation to God.
Embrace Growth
View challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and character development.
Guarding Against Offense in Daily Life

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Scripture Reading
Proverbs 19:11 - "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."

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Biblical Example: David and Saul
1 Samuel 24:10-12 – Despite King Saul's unjust pursuit to kill him, David chose not to take offense or seek revenge, trusting in God's justice.

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Key Points
Choose to Overlook Minor Offenses: Daily, we encounter moments where we can decide not to take things personally. Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23): Regularly assess your heart to keep offense from taking root.

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Reflection Question
What practical ways can we guard our hearts against offense and respond like David when others mistreat us?
Coping Strategy: Practice Self-Control and Patience
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Recognize Triggers
Identify situations that typically provoke offense or impatience.
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Pause and Breathe
Take a moment to calm yourself before reacting.
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Choose Response
Consciously decide how to respond, rather than reacting impulsively.
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Trust in God's Timing
As David waited for God to handle Saul's injustice, we too can choose patience and self-control, entrusting situations to God instead of seeking revenge.
Releasing Bitterness through Love and Compassion
Scripture Reading
Colossians 3:13-14 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone."
Biblical Example: Stephen
Acts 7:59-60 – Even while being stoned, Stephen forgave his attackers, showing profound compassion.
Discussion and Exercise
Discussion Points: How does Stephen's response challenge us to love those who wrong us? How does love enable us to overlook offense and focus on others' good? Exercise: Pair up and discuss ways to show compassion and grace, especially in challenging relationships.
Renewing the Mind: Cultivating a Spirit of Grace
Scripture Reading
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Key Principle
Replacing thoughts of offense and bitterness with thoughts of grace, understanding, and patience.
Application
Meditate on Scripture: Memorize verses that encourage forgiveness, patience, and love.
Redirect Thoughts: When bitterness rises, refocus on God's love and grace, letting it be a reminder to let go of offense.
Reflection
What verses or practices can help us cultivate a mindset that resists offense?
© 2024. Dr. Delisa Rodgers. Soteria Apostolic College of Biblical Studies
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About Dr. Delisa
Dr. Delisa Rodgers is a renowned apostle and prophet, founder of The Love Church Charlotte, and former senior pastor of True Love Church of Refuge. Leading one of Charlotte's foremost apostolic and prophetic training centers, Delisa is dedicated to discipling and equipping believers from all walks of life.
As President and Senior Instructor of The Love Church Apostolic College, founder of Soteria Prophetic Ministries, and President of Liberty River Industries, LLC, she has made significant contributions to the spiritual community. Additionally, she oversees Barbara's Lighthouse Resource Center, a community based and federally recognized non-profit.
A prolific author with several published books, Delisa assists other writers through her editorial desk at Liberty River Industries. She is a passionate speaker who has traveled extensively, offering spiritual guidance and mentorship.
Delisa holds a doctorate in theology from Tripp Bible Institute an undergrad in Health and Human Service Studies from Queens University of Charlotte, and a master's in education administration from Grand Canyon University. She is committed to mental health advocacy, serving as a pastoral counselor, chaplain, and a lifetime member of the National Association of Christian Counselors.
In her professional career, Delisa works as an Alternative Education Manager for the state of North Carolina , focusing on student discipline and behavior support. She is also involved in restorative practices and youth diversion programs through local police departments.
Despite her busy schedule, Delisa remains dedicated to her ministry and is mentored by Apostles Theadford and Ernestine Brinkley, and her spiritual father, Apostle Ivory L. Hopkins.