Egypt to Canaan (Pt. 17): Overcoming Offence
As we conclude the Egypt to Canaan series, we examine from Numbers 20:1–13 what ultimately hindered Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land. It was not idolatry, rebellion, or open defiance like that of the people. It was something far more subtle—offence.
In Numbers 20, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck it—twice. Water flowed abundantly, yet God declared that Moses had not honored Him before the people. While this is often described as disobedience or unbelief, the deeper issue was offence. Moses had been pushed to his limit by continual complaints, and his inward hurt surfaced as outward disobedience.
Many times, the issue is not the issue. Offence often disguises itself, but it is the root from which greater failures grow.
Understanding Offence as a Weight
Offence is an inward reaction of hurt, anger, or resentment arising from a perceived wrong. It is not always rooted in actual injustice but in perspective. When left unresolved, offence becomes a barrier to spiritual growth and healthy relationships.
Scripture teaches us that offence is a weight, not a sin—at least at first. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Weights slow us down in the race of destiny. They are not sinful in themselves, but if carried long enough, they will eventually turn into sin.
Offence will derail destiny while convincing us that God is leading us. Decisions made from wounded emotions can sound spiritual but produce destruction. We see this pattern repeatedly in Scripture—Naaman almost forfeited his healing, Hagar fled a place of covenant, and Lot separated from Abraham. Offence always costs more than we expect.
From Weight to Sin
Offence does not remain neutral. If nursed, it transforms into disobedience, malice, unforgiveness, revenge, and other sins. In Scripture, the word offence comes from the Greek skandalon—a stumbling block or trap.
Jesus warned that offence will come, but woe to those through whom they come. When offended, we are in a vulnerable state. Like Cain, anger begins as a feeling, but if not addressed, sin lies at the door. Cain’s offence quickly escalated into murder.
Offence is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons because it appeals to emotion and pride. It is easy to justify and difficult to detect without spiritual discernment.
Walk in the Spirit: The Only Antidote
Scripture gives us clear instruction on overcoming offence:
First, do not cause offence. We are called to remove stumbling blocks, not place them before others. Even when we are within our rights, love must govern our actions.
Second, when you offend, be quick to fix it. Not every issue is consequential. Humility often resolves what arguments cannot.
Third, avoid getting offended. Colossians 3:12 teaches us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Many offences persist because pride resists these virtues.
Finally, when offence comes—and it will—walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 promises that when we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Jesus makes this practical in Luke 6:27–35: love your enemies, do good to those who hurt you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
This response is costly, but it carries a promise: “Then your reward from heaven will be very great.” Walking in the Spirit breaks the trap of offence and releases divine reward.
A Call into a New Season
As we step into a new season, offence remains one of the enemy’s primary tools to hinder destiny. We must discern it quickly, refuse its grip, and respond with spiritual maturity.
We will be offended—but we will not sin. We will walk in the Spirit. And we will fulfill destiny as Jesus is glorified.