AVOID OFFENDING
DAILY DIVINE WORD
Thursday, 9th July, 2026
Topic: AVOID OFFENDING
Text: Matthew 17: 24-27
24 - And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 - He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 - Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 - 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.
It's natural for humans to respond to provocation, especially when we're not at fault. While it's a natural instinct, it doesn't fully justify how we should react as children of God. Not all natural instincts should be allowed; we must subject every one of our actions to the help of the Holy Spirit so that he can help us beyond what the world declares to be normal. While we must forgive, we also must not intentionally offend anyone.
Jesus and the disciples were asked to pay tribute (a tax meant for strangers in the land), it was an intentional act, either to lure him into a reaction or it was a corrupt mindset of those that receive the tribute money. However, Jesus asked to know if it was lawful for the son of the soil to pay such tribute, and it was confirmed to him that they were not meant to pay it. Instead of Jesus fighting for some right, he said "so that they won't offend them..." He proceeded to pay that money. It's expedient to avoid offending people even when we're on the right side.
This is one of the teachings of Christ that I have tried to subject to logic, however, Jesus did this for a reason, we have been called to live a pure life, a life that everyone would be able to testify to our purity, a testimony that would make men say, "he can't be offended easily". The Bible says in Hebrew 12.14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord". As much as it depends on you, ensure you live peacefully with all men.
Sometimes, permit men to take advantage of you, overlook some things, and be at peace with all men. Avoid offending men. Let it be that your consideration is that "I would have taken action, but so that I don't offend you, I decided to let go.". Jesus did it, you should do it also.
✍️
MAYOKUN TEMILEYI ADEOTI
© Ignite Generation 2026
Thursday, 9th July, 2026
Topic: AVOID OFFENDING
Text: Matthew 17: 24-27
24 - And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 - He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 - Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27 - 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.
It's natural for humans to respond to provocation, especially when we're not at fault. While it's a natural instinct, it doesn't fully justify how we should react as children of God. Not all natural instincts should be allowed; we must subject every one of our actions to the help of the Holy Spirit so that he can help us beyond what the world declares to be normal. While we must forgive, we also must not intentionally offend anyone.
Jesus and the disciples were asked to pay tribute (a tax meant for strangers in the land), it was an intentional act, either to lure him into a reaction or it was a corrupt mindset of those that receive the tribute money. However, Jesus asked to know if it was lawful for the son of the soil to pay such tribute, and it was confirmed to him that they were not meant to pay it. Instead of Jesus fighting for some right, he said "so that they won't offend them..." He proceeded to pay that money. It's expedient to avoid offending people even when we're on the right side.
This is one of the teachings of Christ that I have tried to subject to logic, however, Jesus did this for a reason, we have been called to live a pure life, a life that everyone would be able to testify to our purity, a testimony that would make men say, "he can't be offended easily". The Bible says in Hebrew 12.14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord". As much as it depends on you, ensure you live peacefully with all men.
Sometimes, permit men to take advantage of you, overlook some things, and be at peace with all men. Avoid offending men. Let it be that your consideration is that "I would have taken action, but so that I don't offend you, I decided to let go.". Jesus did it, you should do it also.
✍️
MAYOKUN TEMILEYI ADEOTI
© Ignite Generation 2026
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