Acts 2:29-39 NKJV

[29] “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, [31] he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. [32] This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. [33] Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. [34] “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, [35] Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’ [36] “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [37] Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” [38] Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

I am a firm believer that the spirit of offense has no place in the church body. It breeds division, creates discord, and drives confusion. If I get angry with someone, I will vent to someone else. Eventually, I turn into a loudspeaker to distribute bad information. I can misinterpret words and actions better than anyone. Mixed signals create missed (or bad) connections.

If there is anyone who I should be offended by, it is me. I don't always behave the way I should. I react in ways that do not reflect the goodness God has shown to me. I am often a poor representative of Jesus. My actions often contradict the basis of my faith.

I am, by nature, a dreadfully sinful man. I fail continually. I am not the example that I should be all of the time. Likewise, I can not look to others for the perfect example. If I do, I will be disappointed.

We are all sinners saved by the same amazing grace. I want to be a good brother to my faith family. It is my job to lead others in the right direction. I can't do that if I am not on the heels of Jesus.