“I’m Offended”

“I’m offended!” It is hard to count how many times I have heard someone say these words in a religious context. There are those who will say that they are offended at any number of things. Though motives behind making this statement may vary, it is a Biblical subject and worthy of our attention. Let us consider what it means to be offended.

The Word Offense Defined. A secular definition of offense is, in part, “the act of displeasing or affronting” (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Many accept this definition in religious matters. If something just doesn’t set right with them or slightly displeases them, they say they are “offended.” However, the Biblical definition is much different. It is a “Stumbling block…(and) causes one to fall by the way…something which leads others into error and sin” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). A true offense is that which will either cause or lead others to sin – it is not merely something you don’t like!

When “I’m Offended” is Improperly Used. It is a misuse of the term offended to speak of something which might simply displease you. Many use the statement “I’m offended” to get their way or to control the actions of others. They say they are “offended” by lawful expediencies and matters of opinion about which no one could be truly offended. I even heard of a man say he was “offended” by the color of paint a congregation was going to use in their new building. We must consider the feelings of others in all that we do, but not to the point at which we fail to do good things altogether, against which there is no reasonable argument. However, many brethren will abruptly halt even good, necessary action at the mere mention of the words, “I’m offended.” One should never try, or be allowed, to impede or control others and their actions by saying, “I’m offended,” when such could not truly be the case.

When “I’m Offended” is Properly Used. To be truly offended by something that thing must be either against your conscience (in that by participating you will be sinning), scripturally wrong, or an occasion for sinning. If something truly will make our brother stumble, we need to have Paul’s attitude found in 1 Corinthians 8:13. He said, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” We must be concerned with our actions, both congregationally and individually, and how they affect others.

To say something offends you should not be said lightly. If you are truly offended by something, in a strict Biblical way, you should say so. However, one should not use this statement in a casual way so as to simply get their way or stop something which is not wrong but just merely displeases them.

David Eldridge