At some point in life, we all get offended.
Someone says something rude, a friend betrays us, or a stranger acts unfairly toward us.
It’s natural to feel hurt, frustrated, or even angry.
But what should we do when we feel offended?
Should we hold onto it, let it change the way we treat people, or respond in anger?
The Bible has a lot to say about being offended, and its wisdom can help us handle these moments in a way that leads to peace instead of bitterness.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about offense, why it can be dangerous, and how we can let go of it for good.
Holding Onto Offense Leads to Bitterness
Being offended is like picking up a heavy rock.
At first, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
But the longer we carry it, the heavier it becomes.
Eventually, it weighs us down, making it hard to focus on anything else.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Bitterness doesn’t just affect the person who hurt us—it poisons our own hearts.
It steals our joy, clouds our judgment, and can even damage our relationships with others.
God calls us to let go of offense, not because the hurt doesn’t matter, but because holding onto it does more harm than good.
Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the offense didn’t happen.
It’s about choosing not to let it control us anymore.
Offense Can Distract Us From God’s Purpose
When we focus too much on being offended, it takes our attention away from what really matters.
Instead of living in peace and purpose, we become consumed by anger, frustration, or a desire for revenge.
Proverbs 19:11 says:
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
This verse reminds us that letting go of offense is a sign of wisdom and strength.
When we choose not to let every little thing bother us, we gain freedom.
We don’t waste time stewing over words that were spoken in anger or misunderstandings that could be resolved.
Instead, we keep our focus on God and the good things He has planned for us.
Letting go doesn’t mean we ignore serious wrongs—it means we refuse to let minor offenses steal our peace.
Jesus Showed Us How to Respond to Offense
No one faced more offense and rejection than Jesus.
He was mocked, betrayed, falsely accused, and even crucified.
Yet, He didn’t retaliate.
He didn’t waste time being bitter toward those who wronged Him.
Instead, He responded with love.
In Luke 23:34, as Jesus was hanging on the cross, He said:
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
If anyone had a right to be offended, it was Jesus.
Yet, He chose forgiveness instead of anger.
His example teaches us that we don’t have to let offense control our hearts.
When we respond with love and grace, we reflect the character of Christ.
It’s not always easy, but it brings peace and healing instead of division and resentment.
Pride Can Make Us More Easily Offended
One of the biggest reasons people get offended so easily is pride.
When we think too highly of ourselves, every little insult or disagreement feels like an attack.
Pride tells us that we should always be treated with respect, always be right, and always be heard.
But the Bible warns us about the dangers of pride.
Proverbs 16:18 says:
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
When we humble ourselves, we become less offended by others.
We recognize that we are not perfect either.
We understand that sometimes, people say things they don’t mean or act out of their own pain.
Instead of taking everything personally, we learn to give grace, just as God gives grace to us.
Humility makes it easier to overlook offense and focus on what really matters.
Not Every Offense Needs a Response
When someone offends us, our first reaction is often to fight back.
We want to correct them, defend ourselves, or make them feel bad for what they did.
But the Bible teaches a different way.
Proverbs 26:4 says:
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
Sometimes, the best response is no response at all.
Not every argument needs our participation.
Not every insult deserves our energy.
When we learn to let things go instead of always trying to prove a point, we gain peace.
It’s not about letting people walk all over us—it’s about choosing wisdom over pointless conflict.
Forgiveness Brings Freedom
Forgiving someone who offends us doesn’t mean we’re saying what they did was okay.
It doesn’t mean we forget or allow them to keep hurting us.
It means we are choosing to release the offense so it no longer controls us.
Colossians 3:13 says:
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Forgiveness is not for the other person—it’s for us.
When we hold onto offense, it traps us in anger and bitterness.
But when we forgive, we release that burden and find freedom.
It’s a process, and sometimes it takes time, but God gives us the strength to let go.
Love Covers Offense
When we truly love people, we become less offended by them.
Instead of assuming the worst, we give them the benefit of the doubt.
Instead of focusing on their mistakes, we remember their good qualities.
Proverbs 10:12 says:
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Love helps us overlook offense and focus on what really matters.
It allows us to extend grace, even when people don’t deserve it.
When we love others the way God loves us, we find that offense no longer has power over us.
How to Overcome Offense
Pray about it.
Ask God to help you release offense and fill your heart with peace.
Practice humility.
Remember that you are not perfect either, and that we all need grace.
Choose your battles.
Not every offense needs a reaction—sometimes, it’s best to walk away.
Forgive quickly.
Don’t let bitterness take root in your heart.
Trust God for justice.
Let go of the need to get even and trust that God will handle it.
Focus on love.
Choose to see the good in people instead of dwelling on their mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Being offended is a part of life, but we don’t have to let it control us.
The Bible teaches that holding onto offense leads to bitterness, distraction, and division.
But when we follow God’s wisdom, we learn to let go, forgive, and respond with love.
Jesus showed us the perfect example of how to handle offense—with grace and humility.
By choosing to focus on God instead of our hurt, we find true peace.
So today, make the choice to release offense.
Let go of the burden.
Walk in the freedom that comes from forgiveness.
And experience the joy that God wants for you.