Offended In God?
We’re continuing our message series on “Offence and Its Remedy,” and today we focus on a rarely discussed but deeply impactful issue:
What happens when people feel offended by God?
Yes, it happens—and more often than you might think.
Paul’s Prayer vs. Our Prayers
Let’s begin by reflecting on Philippians 1:9–11:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…”
Paul wasn’t praying for material things like a new house or a job promotion. His focus was on purity, discernment, and love—the spiritual qualities that truly matter.
In contrast, many of us pray for external changes, and when we don’t see the results we hope for, disappointment creeps in.
Peace That Can’t Be Shaken
Psalm 119:165 gives us a clue to lasting peace:
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
If peace is what you long for, you need the Word of God to be rooted in your heart.
It guards your spirit and helps you navigate seasons of confusion without stumbling into offence.
Can People Be Offended by God?
Here’s a hard truth:
God never wrongs us, but many people still end up feeling hurt, disappointed, or even betrayed by Him.
Let’s look at the three most common triggers for feeling offended by God:
1. When Prayers Seem Unanswered
You pray with faith, but nothing seems to change. Healing doesn’t come. Provision is delayed. Miracles feel out of reach.
Even David asked in Psalm 10:1:
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
In our message “Fact, Faith, Feelings”, we explored how dangerous it is to let feelings lead our faith. When outcomes don’t match our prayers, we feel abandoned—offended, even—by God.
2. When the Righteous Suffer and the Wicked Prosper
This is perhaps the most painful form of spiritual offence.
You live righteously, but see no breakthrough. Meanwhile, people who don’t honor God seem to thrive. It feels unfair.
Psalm 73:3 says:
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Jeremiah 12:1 echoes this frustration:
“Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”
The truth is, this world is still under the influence of the enemy.
1 John 5:19 reminds us:
“The whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
So, while we may not understand it all, we must remember that God’s justice is perfect, even when it seems delayed.
3. When Expectations Go Unmet
Even spiritual giants can stumble here.
John the Baptist, the very one who prepared the way for Jesus, questioned Him during a moment of unmet expectations.
Matthew 11:3 records John’s words:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
John believed Jesus would restore Israel’s kingdom—but instead, John was imprisoned. Things didn’t go as he imagined.
Jesus responded in Luke 7:23:
“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
John’s offence came from a misunderstanding of God’s plan. He expected one thing, but God was doing something deeper.
Understand God, Don’t Be Offended
Offence in God often stems from unmet expectations, confusion, or impatience.
But Scripture calls us to trust, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.
God’s timing is perfect. His justice is real. His character is unchanging.
If you’re feeling hurt or confused, don’t walk away—run to Him.
Prayer isn’t your spare wheel. It’s your steering wheel.
When disappointment hits, let it lead you to prayer, not offence.
Final Thought
Even the most faithful can struggle with feeling offended by God. But don’t let misunderstanding lead to mistrust.
When you don’t see what you expected, trust that God is doing more than you can see.
Dig into His Word. Lean into His presence. Understand Him—and you won’t stumble.
What happens when people feel offended by God?
Yes, it happens—and more often than you might think.
Paul’s Prayer vs. Our Prayers
Let’s begin by reflecting on Philippians 1:9–11:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…”
Paul wasn’t praying for material things like a new house or a job promotion. His focus was on purity, discernment, and love—the spiritual qualities that truly matter.
In contrast, many of us pray for external changes, and when we don’t see the results we hope for, disappointment creeps in.
Peace That Can’t Be Shaken
Psalm 119:165 gives us a clue to lasting peace:
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
If peace is what you long for, you need the Word of God to be rooted in your heart.
It guards your spirit and helps you navigate seasons of confusion without stumbling into offence.
Can People Be Offended by God?
Here’s a hard truth:
God never wrongs us, but many people still end up feeling hurt, disappointed, or even betrayed by Him.
Let’s look at the three most common triggers for feeling offended by God:
1. When Prayers Seem Unanswered
You pray with faith, but nothing seems to change. Healing doesn’t come. Provision is delayed. Miracles feel out of reach.
Even David asked in Psalm 10:1:
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
In our message “Fact, Faith, Feelings”, we explored how dangerous it is to let feelings lead our faith. When outcomes don’t match our prayers, we feel abandoned—offended, even—by God.
2. When the Righteous Suffer and the Wicked Prosper
This is perhaps the most painful form of spiritual offence.
You live righteously, but see no breakthrough. Meanwhile, people who don’t honor God seem to thrive. It feels unfair.
Psalm 73:3 says:
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Jeremiah 12:1 echoes this frustration:
“Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”
The truth is, this world is still under the influence of the enemy.
1 John 5:19 reminds us:
“The whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
So, while we may not understand it all, we must remember that God’s justice is perfect, even when it seems delayed.
3. When Expectations Go Unmet
Even spiritual giants can stumble here.
John the Baptist, the very one who prepared the way for Jesus, questioned Him during a moment of unmet expectations.
Matthew 11:3 records John’s words:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
John believed Jesus would restore Israel’s kingdom—but instead, John was imprisoned. Things didn’t go as he imagined.
Jesus responded in Luke 7:23:
“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
John’s offence came from a misunderstanding of God’s plan. He expected one thing, but God was doing something deeper.
Understand God, Don’t Be Offended
Offence in God often stems from unmet expectations, confusion, or impatience.
But Scripture calls us to trust, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.
God’s timing is perfect. His justice is real. His character is unchanging.
If you’re feeling hurt or confused, don’t walk away—run to Him.
Prayer isn’t your spare wheel. It’s your steering wheel.
When disappointment hits, let it lead you to prayer, not offence.
Final Thought
Even the most faithful can struggle with feeling offended by God. But don’t let misunderstanding lead to mistrust.
When you don’t see what you expected, trust that God is doing more than you can see.
Dig into His Word. Lean into His presence. Understand Him—and you won’t stumble.
Watch The Full Video Here:
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Worshiping From ExperienceWhat Is Thanksgiving?Vision Of The ChurchPersonal Vision For LifeAre You Tested By Adversities?Are You Focused?Never Sit On Two ChairsWho Are Your Friends?Forms Of Satanic WorshipThe Dangers Of Satanic WorshipVictory Over Satanic WorshipBattles & WarsSmile At Your FutureYour Life Will Be Bright AgainBreaking And BuildingJesus Will Give A Shape To Your LifeLove Covers EverythingMy Father Will Always Be There For MeCast Out The Spirit Of FearThe Spirit Of BoldnessThe Display Of God’s LoveThe Blessings From The Cross
February
Nothing Can Destroy YouHow Can We Do Individual Worship Effectively?Whisper Praises To GodPlay Worship Songs In Your RoomMaking Extraordinary Sacrifices To GodSufferings For ChristHow To Worship God In TonguesHelp For This YearPeople Are Going To Be Set FreeGod Will Direct Your PathsReceive Your ComfortReceive Your RewardThe Eternal God Is Our RefugePreparing For WorshipTrusting God Is Honouring HimIs God First In Your Life?Prepare Your Heart For WorshipWorship With HumilityKey Elements Of True WorshipProclaiming the Word: Public Reading & PreachingThe Joy of the Lord: Rejoicing in WorshipThe Power of a Shout: Expressing Worship BoldlyWorship in Song: The Role of Singing & Music
March
Expressions Of WorshipWorship Across GenerationsWorship Through DanceThe Joy Of WorshipWorship Brings BlessingWorship Establishes The Lordship Of JesusWorship Releases Deliverance & FreedomWorship Generates Great JoyI Am In The Lord’s CareBeside Quiet WatersRestoration To Your SoulThrough The Paths Of RighteousnessComforting Rod & StaffFresh OilOverflowing With BlessingsGoodness & MercyDwelling In The House Of The LordGod’s Definition Of Success
April
Are You Rich Toward God?Do You Want A Transformation To Your Mind?Your Peace Will Flow Like A RiverDo You Want To Be Healed & Healthy?Walk To Your Financial WellbeingHave You Discovered Your Life’s Mission?The Peace Of GodShalomHow You Can Live In PeaceThis Is The Time Of FavourGod Will Establish Your HouseNow Is The Day Of SalvationYour Difficult Situation Will Pass AwaySatan Will Soon Be Crushed Under Your FeetGod Is Changing Your StatusHope in the Darkest HourDouble For Your TroubleHope is a Person
May
Living Hope and Long LifeIf You Have Jesus In Your Heart, You Have HopeSomething Great Is In Store For YouOffence: The Silent Trap & Its CureWhen Offence Becomes A CancerResponding Rightly to OffenceWounded by One You LoveOffence & BetrayalGod Holds Your DestinyOffended In God?Why Others Are Blessed And Not Me?
No Comments