As believers, we are called to walk in love, humility, and grace—even when we are offended or hurt. Offense can divide relationships, distract us from our purpose, and hinder our spiritual growth. The Word of God gives us clear wisdom on how to handle offense in a way that honors Christ. Here are seven powerful perspectives from Scripture to help you navigate offense through the lens of God’s truth.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Arguments
Guarding Your Heart Against Offense
Offense often begins in the heart, and if left unchecked, it can grow into bitterness and resentment. Scripture reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts and not allowing offense to take root. When we protect our hearts with God’s truth, we can walk in freedom and love even when others wrong us.
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.”
Psalm 119:165
“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.”
James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
Matthew 24:10
“And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.”
Letting Go of Bitterness
Holding onto offense leads to bitterness, which can poison our soul and relationships. The Bible calls us to forgive and release others from the debt we think they owe us. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it is necessary for our healing and for maintaining a heart that reflects Christ.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Hebrews 12:15
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Responding with Love
When offense comes, our natural reaction may be to lash out or withdraw. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to respond in love. Love disarms offense and reflects the heart of God. His love flowing through us can bring healing to broken relationships and peace to tense situations.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.”
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Forgiving Like Christ
Christ is our ultimate example of forgiveness. He forgave us while we were still sinners, and He calls us to do the same for others. Forgiveness is not a suggestion—it’s a command. Through His Spirit, we are empowered to forgive, just as He forgave us, bringing restoration and grace into even the most painful circumstances.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Acts 7:60
“He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ And with that, he died.”
2 Corinthians 2:10
“When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit.”
Romans 5:8
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Overcoming Pride
Many offenses are rooted in pride—our desire to be right, validated, or respected. But pride distances us from God’s grace, while humility draws us closer to Him. Letting go of offense often means humbling ourselves before God and others, choosing peace over personal pride, and trusting God’s justice and timing.
Proverbs 13:10
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
James 4:6
“But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'”
Philippians 2:3
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”
1 Peter 5:6
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Arguing in Relationships
Restoring Broken Relationships
God values reconciliation, and He desires us to live in peace with one another. Offense can create rifts, but through forgiveness, humility, and love, relationships can be restored. The Bible encourages us to make the first move toward peace, trusting God to work in both hearts involved.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
2 Corinthians 5:18
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
Matthew 18:15
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
Trusting God With Justice
When we’ve been wronged, it’s tempting to take matters into our own hands. But the Bible reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. Trusting God with justice allows us to walk in peace, knowing He sees, He cares, and He will make all things right in His perfect time.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
Psalm 37:5-6
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”
Isaiah 54:17
“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Proverbs 20:22
“Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.”
1 Peter 2:23
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
Walking in Freedom From Offense
God’s desire is for us to live free—free from sin, fear, and offense. When we choose to release offense, we also release the power it has over our emotions and our peace. Walking in forgiveness and love opens the door for God’s presence to fill our hearts and bring lasting peace, joy, and freedom.
Galatians 5:1
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
Romans 6:14
“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”