by[19] “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.” – Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV)
Offence is one of the most common things that separates friendships. It affects marriages, ministry partnerships, and even professional relationships. Why does it go to that extent? Jesus said that many people’s love waxes cold when they experience a multitude of offences (see Matthew 12:24).
In Proverbs 18:19, the Bible says that a brother offended is harder to win than a strong city. I want you to note the word “offended.” It’s in the past tense. Right? So this verse is speaking of people who stay offended after others have wronged them, not necessarily about being offended. Forgiveness is key to living without getting affected by offence. However, not everyone has the capacity to forgive, especially when certain wrongs are done to them. To such people, when such offences are done against them, they are harder to win than a strong city. In other words, it is hard to repair their hearts to that level of friendship you used to have with him, suppose you hurt your friend.
Knowing this reality, I want to counsel you to invest in building lasting relationships with people, especially your close friends. You cannot always prevent an offence from happening, either from your end or theirs. But you can always choose to forgive and live peaceably with all men.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your overflowing grace in my life. Help me invest in building lasting relationships with every person you give me to fulfil my purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 157
Shareable Graphics
