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An excerpt from the book, The Bait Of Satan, by some guy named John Revere, Good insight though! "A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle." Proverbs 18:19 An offended brother or sister is harder to win than a fortified city. The strong cities had walls around them. These walls were the city's assurance of protection. They kept unwelcome inhabitants and invaders out. All entrants were screened. Those who owed taxes were were not allowed in until they had paid. Those considered a threat to the citys health or safety were kept out. We construct walls when we are hurt to safeguard our hearts and prevent future wounds. We become selective, denying entry to all who fear will hurt us. We filter out anyone we think owes us something. We withold access until these people have paid their depts in full. We open our lives to those we believe are on our "side". The focus of offended Christians is inward and introspective. We gaurd our rights and personal relationships carefully. Our energy is consumed with making sure no future injuries will occur. If we dont risk being hurt, we cannot give unconditional love. Unconditional love gives others the right to hurt us. Love does not seek its own, but hurt people become more and more self-seeking and self-contained. When Jesus was wronged, He did not wrong in return but committed his soul to God, who would judge righteously. We are admonished to follow in His footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21-23 says, " For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return;when He sufferd, He did not threaten,but committed Himself to Him who Judges righteously."
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