"I'm sorry, did I offend you?"

How often would you say you offend others?


To offend means: 1) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, 2) to entice to sin, 3) to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, 4) to cause to fall away. (blueletterbible.org)

Now, what would you say?

I thought offending someone was hurting their feelings, injuring their pride. I try to stay vigilant against any action on my part that might cause this in another person. I would typically say I rarely offend anyone. However, in this light, I don’t think I can answer that way at all. In traffic (or right before I’ve eaten) the tone of my voice alone could cause another to stumble. The way I look at my kids sometimes could very well cause one to doubt the sanctifying power of the one I claim to trust. This kind of hurts!

Jesus tells Peter to pay the collectors of the two-drachma tax “so that we may not offend them.” (Matt 17:27)
In context, Jesus is saying that although we are free, children of the true King, owing no man tribute, we ought to pay the tax. Rejecting laws and governmental authority may put a stumbling block in front of those who work for, and define themselves by, that authority. This may cause them to distrust us and the one we represent. It seems that relationship trumps being right.

We are to be ambassadors of Christ, called to give the message of reconciliation between man and God. Jesus is indicating here that our actions can impede that message.

Have my actions put a stumbling block in someone’s path this week?
Has my attitude enticed another to sin?
Have my words caused someone to distrust the God I represent?

Am I more concerned with being right than drawing one to Christ?


What are your thoughts on all of this?

Blessings, Linda