When Offence Becomes A Cancer

This week, we began a powerful new message series that could save spiritual lives and restore broken relationships. The first message, Offence and Its Remedy, sets the stage by examining how unresolved offence can derail a person’s entire life.

We started with the story of a talented man in his late 30s who seemed stuck in life. A painful incident in his childhood led him to carry offence for years. That offence became a trap, holding him back from his full potential.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare story. Offence can take root in our workplaces, ministries, families, politics—even in churches. Maybe someone else got promoted ahead of you. Maybe you were betrayed or treated unfairly. If we don’t deal with it, we can spiral into bitterness, unforgiveness, and spiritual stagnation.

Offence: A Spiritual Trap
The Greek word for offence is scandalizo, which means "trap." That’s exactly what offence is—a tool the enemy uses to imprison us. And no one is immune to it.
Even in churches, offence is common. Maybe it's how someone looked at you, something someone said, or even conflicts over money—these can all become open doors for offence. One common issue we see is lending and borrowing among church members. We always advise: don’t turn generosity into a transaction. Give if you want to bless someone, but don’t expect repayment with interest.

Another trap? Social media. Messages shared or forwarded in WhatsApp groups or on platforms like Instagram can unintentionally hurt others or damage relationships.
These conflicts can happen in marriages too. Offence doesn’t discriminate—it enters wherever there’s vulnerability.

What the Bible Says
Jesus warned us clearly in Luke 17:1-4:
“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come... If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them... Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Offence will come. Jesus says it’s inevitable. But the consequences are serious for those who cause it—and for those who hold onto it.

Matthew 24:10   paints a sobering picture:
“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”

When offence enters the heart, it doesn’t come alone. It brings bitterness, resentment, hatred, revenge, and anger. It’s like a spiritual cancer—subtle at first, then all-consuming. It can destroy prayer warriors, ministers, prophets, and believers alike. It can shatter God-ordained relationships.
That’s why Jesus tells us to beware of offence.
God's Plan Is Still Intact
Even if offence has derailed your life, God’s plan for you hasn’t changed.

As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

But to step into that future, we must first deal with offence. Whether it’s from childhood trauma, church hurt, business betrayals, or family wounds—healing begins when we choose to forgive and move forward.

Two Kinds of Offences
Offence usually falls into two categories:

1. Offence from people – when someone hurts you with words or actions.
   
   
2. Offence toward God– when life doesn’t go the way you prayed or hoped, and you feel let down.
   
   

Both need to be addressed, but they require different kinds of healing. Be honest about where offence lives in your heart—and let God start the work of healing.
Final Encouragement

Are you stuck in a cycle of offence? Has something from your past trapped you in bitterness or unforgiveness?

It’s time to come out of that today.
Our God is a Redeemer. He wants to free you from offence so you can walk in peace, purpose, and the future He has prepared for you.