Offense is a demonic stronghold. When you hold on to offense, you are holding unforgiveness in your heart, and your prayers are being hindered. Are you stuck and feeling like God is not hearing or answering your prayers? Are you holding on to an offense? Someone said something about you or took something from you? Did someone attack your ethnicity, position, or family name? Yes, words hurt, but the Jesus in you is greater than those words.
Offense is defined as an annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one’s standards or principles. Over the past few weeks, I heard the Holy Spirit say, ‘People are in agreement with the wrong spirit and are taking on offenses.’ The Holy Spirit said, ‘Stop right now. Stop it.’
The enemy loves it when we take offense and hold on to it. We stop all of the blessings that are headed our way. We start to complain about people and their motives, and we build strongholds creating an atmosphere of defeat, destruction, and doubt. We lose faith and start to see people as our enemy instead of the real enemy, satan. Remember, satan is the enemy of our souls, not people. Do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness] (Ephesians 4:27).
Let’s start this new year with a renewed determination to let go of offense. Forgive those who have mistreated you or who you think have an evil intent towards you. Colossians 3:13 admonishes us to bear graciously with one another and willingly forgive each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Forgiveness is the key to defeating and diminishing those strongholds. Give God an opportunity to work in your life by offering forgiveness to those who have offended you. It’s time!
Pray this prayer:
Father God,
I come before you with a heavy heart, burdened by the weight of resentment and hurt. Today, I choose to release the grip of anger and pain that binds me to those who have offended me. I understand that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a testament to my strength and growth. Give me the courage to let go of the grudges that have taken root within me.
I surrender my need for revenge and justice, recognizing that only through forgiveness can I find true peace. Guide me on the path of healing so that I may release the chains of resentment and move forward with an open heart. In forgiving others, I also ask for the grace to forgive myself for any resentment or negativity I have held onto.
As I embark on this journey of forgiveness, may I be filled with your divine love and light. Let forgiveness be a balm for my soul and a source of freedom from demonic strongholds. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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