DAILY MANNA - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

TOPIC: GRACEFUL RESPONSE TO OFFENDERS 
TEXT MATTHEW 17:22-27.

🔑KEY VERSE "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee" (MATTHEW 17:27).

The contemporary world is a pervasive one, full of offences orchestrated by Satan and his cohorts. Christ Jesus who is the Master and Governor of the whole universe, had warned His disciples that offences must come, but woe to that person through whom they are meted out. The Christian position on offences, like our Lord remarked in the text, is that the believer should not allow it become a working tool in Satan's hands. We must avoid it.

The believer should be circumspect in every situation and ensure that he does not encourage any strife between his neighbour and himself at home, workplace or business centre, on the street or anywhere. The Lord has called us unto peace. He exemplified it in spite of the numerous avowed enemies that ganged up against Him during His earthly ministry.

Taking a non-vengeful stance in our relationship with others does not mean we are to become a jelly-fish, ready to compromise with offenders in all situations. Never at all! Christ our Lord was resolute in His pursuit of God's will for His life and ministry. He never allowed His detractors to undo Him from God's purpose. We must prayerfully and wisely pursue peace with offenders. God will provide all the needed grace and wisdom to know when to answer fools according to their folly and when not to answer them.

However, we are in the permissive world of offences. All we need is grace and wisdom to live with the challenges life presents and be determined to overcome in all things, until we receive the royal welcome from the Master at the pearly gates of heaven.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY To enjoy peace and spiritual health, be peaceful to all, especially offenders .    

COVER TO COVER: ACTS 11-12.