Scriptural Steps to Release Offense and Embrace Peace 

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Holding onto offense can be a heavy burden. It weighs us down, steals our joy, and hinders our relationships with others and even with God. But the good news is, Scripture offers a path to learn to release offense and find lasting peace. 

Step 1. Acknowledge the Hurt

Recognizing the Offense 

The first step is acknowledging the pain. We can’t heal what we pretend isn’t there. The Bible acknowledges the reality of hurt. In Psalm 137:1, the psalmist cries out, “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” 

Here are some journaling prompts to help you identify the source of your offense: 

• Who or what has caused me offense? 
• What specific actions or words led to this feeling? 
• How has this offense impacted my emotions and behaviors? 

Remember, acknowledging the hurt doesn’t mean dwelling on it. It simply means naming it and allowing yourself to feel your emotions in a healthy way. 

Step 2. Release the Offense

Forgiving and Letting Go 

Releasing offense can be challenging, but it’s a crucial step toward finding peace. Forgiveness doesn’t erase what happened, nor does it mean condoning the offense. Instead, forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, a decision to release the burden of resentment. 

The Bible is filled with verses on forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 instructs us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” 

Here are some practical ways to release the offense: 

• Pray for the person who hurt you. This might feel counterintuitive, but praying for them can help break the cycle of negativity and cultivate compassion. 
• Practice gratitude. Focus on the good things in your life. Gratitude shifts our perspective and makes it harder to dwell on negativity. 
• Seek support. Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or spiritual leader about your struggles with forgiveness. 

Releasing the offense might be a process, but with time and effort, you will find freedom from bitterness and resentment. 

Step 3. Embrace the Peace

Renewing Your Heart and Mind 

Releasing offense opens the door to experiencing true peace. Philippians 4:7 tells us, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Here are some ways to release offense and cultivate inner peace: 

• Spend time in Scripture. The Bible is a wellspring of peace and encouragement. 
• Practice mindfulness. Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage difficult emotions and find a sense of calm. 
• Serve others. Helping those in need is a powerful way to cultivate joy and shift our focus away from our own problems. 

Listen now to a short segment of this meditation from Abide based on Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Let God speak to your heart about renewing your mind.

Remember, peace is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when old hurts resurface, but by following these scriptural steps, you can learn to release offense and experience the lasting peace that God offers. 

For more help with releasing offense and living a more peaceful life, download the Abide app. Our guided biblical meditations all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ. Sign up for a premium subscription to gain access to our entire library of content. Here’s 25% off to get your started.