There’s a glass-enclosed biosphere near Tucson, Arizona called “Biosphere 2.” Four men and four women volunteered for the two-year isolation experiment. All were accomplished scientists. All had undergone psychological testing and preparation. All had entered the biosphere fully briefed on the rigors they would face while sealed off from the outside world. Yet, within a matter of two months the eight “bionauts” had split into two groups, and during the final months of the experiment these two groups refused to speak to each other.
Being offended by somebody is bound to happen
“It is inevitable that offense will happen” -Jesus (Luke 17:1)
There are three possibilities: 1) We’ve been offended; 2) We’ve been the offender; 3) or most likely, we’ve been both! The fact is that when we’ve been offended, often we become offenders.
But offense can be very subtle, and yet it will begin to affect every aspect of our lives. This is why the Bible is so emphatic that wherever and whenever an offense has taken place, it must be dealt with quickly. The writer of Hebrews tells us why…
Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:15)
The first reason we are told to be on guard for bitterness or offence in our lives is because it will “take root.” This means that if not dealt with, the hurt of the offense will settle into our lives for the long-term, and subsequently cause other problems.
But the “root” doesn’t go away easy
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. (Proverbs 18:19 NIV)
The picture of an offended person being like a “fortified city” is a picture of place that is prepared to prevail in war. An offended person is complete with defense mechanisms and offensive strategies to protect their offense.
Note that it says “a brother”. The reason for this is because offense almost always comes from those closest to us, from those whom we have become vulnerable with.
The truth is that we tend to be verbally careless with those who we know well. The saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt” is true. It’s this unexpected breach of trust causes us to place guards to prevent it from ever happening again.
We are told to “speak the truth in love” to each other (Eph. 4:15). But this must be balanced by the fact that “in the multitude of words sin is not lacking.” (Prv. 10:19a). We are told “the wounds of a friend are trustworthy” (Prv. 27:6). But this must be balanced with requirement to “bear with the scruples” (idiosyncrasies) of others (Rom. 15:1).
The power of agreement
The reason for these admonitions to deal with offense swiftly and correctly is because of the potential of our unity. There is power of the agreement of two people who know Jesus.
If any two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19, 20)
This is why one of the greatest strategies of the Enemy is to create disunity, division, and offense between us. He knows that if you and I come into agreement about anything, it will happen. He also knows that this kind of agreement brings Jesus right into the situation.
This is something the Biosphere folks need to hear about.
