WALLS OF PROTECTION

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ Jesus.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5

We often construct walls around ourselves when we are hurt in order to safeguard our hearts and prevent future wounds.

From within our walls we become…selective about relationships, less open and vulnerable to others, closed to those we fear will hurt us, reticent to admit those who owe us something, open only to those who we believe are on our side.

In an attempt to protect ourselves from offense, we find ourselves imprisoned by our walls, unable to relate deeply to those around us. Our focus is turned inward and introspective. We guard our rights and personal relationships carefully. Our energy is consumed with making sure that no future injuries will occur. Yet if we cannot risk being hurt we cannot give unconditional love.

We must come to the place where we trust God-not our flesh-to protect us from offense. The sin of offense is serious. But when you resist the temptation to build walls of offense, God brings great VICTORY!

 When someone does or says something that hurts us the offense is more obvious. However, when someone’s actions or behavior fails to meet our expectations and we become disappointed, the offense is very subtle and almost imperceptible.

Many times we know Biblically what someone is doing is wrong, but we have the wrong attitude towards them in our hearts.

What do you naturally do when a fellow believer or close friend disappoints you?  

The longer we are offended the more inward our focus becomes. What does this inward focus look like and why is it so dangerous?