Pushing Your Luck

(Proverbs 18:19 KJV)  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Some people are easily “offended” (6586), but that doesn’t seem to be the point of this phrase.  This reads to me like someone who has had their feelings hurt.  It is much more serious than that.  This word is usually translated “transgression.”  It is a warning about sinning against your brother.

How often do we take it for granted that we will be forgiven.  I know some people assume God will forgive them.  Some also treat others like servants or peasants because they know Jesus demands that they forgive.  They will but that is to their credit not to your glory.

Do you take advantage of kind people.  Do you offend and not worry about it?  Remember that while they will forgive you because God is their father, God may not for the same reason.

So?  Don’t deliberately take advantage of Godly patience.  God knows when we are playing games and remember that He is the one who wrote the rules.  Be a blessing today, not a trial.