DAILY HOMILIES #offence

Sex is reserved only for marriage because it is an act of total self-giving, and you can only give yourself to someone you are married to. Adultery is theft; it is like removing the engine from a car and still claiming to have a car. Faithfulness to one’s spouse attracts God’s blessings. The book of Proverbs teaches us: “Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So, you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and people.” (Proverbs 3:3-4).

Sin is not just an offence against God; it is an offence against myself. As long as I do not live by God’s instructions, I can never become all that God desires for me. When a doctor tells you to choose between your favourite meal and death, I bet you will start hating that meal. To live above sin, we must hate sin. If our hatred for sin is not strong, we may abstain for a while only to return.

If proper statistics are taken, it would reveal that the answer to this question for most of us is zero. We do not even bother to count. When we feel offended, we rush to retaliate, end the relationship (business agreement, marriage, contract etc.) or bottle everything up – waiting for the right time to strike back.

Peter’s question was with regard to a brother who admits his faults and comes begging for forgiveness. Jesus is teaching us today to always forgive, especially when the offender comes to beg for pardon. Honestly, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things to do even for a devoted Christian.

Step 1: Go to the person who has hurt you and discuss ONE on ONE with him or her. (Matthew 18:15). Avoid having to tell others without first, this is gossiping and it damages the image of the one who has offended you.