Mans deadliest killer weed is so subtle that the majority of mankind has no comprehension it is firmly rooted in their life. Yet, this weed is destructive and deceptive, besides being a killer.

Killer Weeds

Killer weeds aggressively outcompete all other plants for nutrients, sunlight and water. Some even release deadly chemicals into the soil.

Killer plants such as water hyacinth have attractive foliage and pretty flowers. Yet, this deadly plant rapidly covers lakes and rivers, suffocating all aquatic life.

The same principle applies in the spiritual realm of a follower of Christ. A deadly weed lurks in the dark shadows of the mind, which is why we are take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5.

The Offense

Mans killer weed is called ‘being offended’. That sounds harmless, yet it affects a person’s mind, emotions, relationships and physical health.

Offense traps a person into a cycle of negativity and defensiveness. It creates a constant hurt and anger until even small issues become personal attacks.

Offense and resentment quickly turn to bitterness. The mind replays the offense over and over. This makes the person emotionally vulnerable and open to other attacks from the enemy.

End Result

Not only does the offended person’s thinking become distorted they have no inner peace. Everything becomes filtered through ‘I am the wronged one’.

The person feels powerless because they are being mistreated. The result is broken relationships and a sense of isolation.

The offended one is unable to forgive and love. The end result is a hardened heart against God and fellow mankind.

The Threat

Offense and resentment are the mental aspect of this killer weed. As anger smolders in the mind, the immune system becomes weakened.

The killer weed acts like a thorny bramble in the forest. It clings to everything, bars the way and inhibits healthy growth. The person is unable to accept the growing process of correction. The killing process is under way.

Offense is a Certainty

Offense is a certainty for every person living on this earth, Luke 17:1. We must be aware of how easy it is to become offended and the deadly danger it poses to the follower of Christ.  Therefore, we are to guard our heart with all diligence, Proverbs 4:23.

If we desire to grow into the fulness of the stature that belongs to Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:13, we have to know how to deal with offense. Sadly, many Christians will enter heaven as stunted dwarfs, for they refuse to yield to the healing power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Love Departs

For offense and resentment to take hold, love must leave the heart. The killer weed takes up residence in its place.

You are a spirit and soul, living in a body, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and your inner life really matters. We need to pray that the spirit of offense be cast out of our mind.

The older you are the more people will have offended you. However, your soul will be at peace when your Born Again spirit frequently dwells in the presence of God. With a full heart the killer weeds will be quickly dealt with and rooted out.

Simple Keys

There are simple keys that stop the killer weed taking hold and allow us to live as an overcomer. Knowing your first reaction is emotional not rational is a good starting point.

Forgiveness is then central to the destruction of deadly killer weeds. That is not just a one-off action, but a way of life, Matthew 18:22. Just when you think you have yourself under control and the lesson has been learnt along comes another test, usually stronger than the ones before. We are to forgive as the Lord forgives us, Colossians 3:13 and walk in true humility. ‘There but for the grace of God go I’.

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong, but it frees you from being trapped by it. Humility helps you overlook the slights.

More Keys to Destroy the Killer Weed

Ego is ever the source of offense and it is bruised pride that causes us to hold on to offense that quickly turns to resentment. It gives the enemy a foothold in your life, 2 Corinthians 2:10,11. An enemy whose one aim is to steal, kill and destroy, John 10:10.

Humility releases us from pride, which is the fuel for offense, Philippians 2:3. We never fully learn the lesson of being non-resentful, so it is vital that we quickly hand the offense over to the Lord. Christ’s commandment was to love our neighbour as we love ourself. Mark 12:30,31. Love which covers a multitude of sins, 1 Peter 4:8.

Look to Christ

The next time you embrace the deadly killer weed, spend time considering Christ’s walk to Calvary, starting in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was totally man and totally God, so why should He drink the cup of all mankind’s sin?

Offense would have been the way out, but the Son chose to do the Father’s will instead, Matthew 26:39. He did it because He kept His eyes on the goal set before Him, Philippines 3:14.

Christ was beaten, mocked and scourged, despised and forsaken, like one from whom men hide their face, Isaiah 53. Yet, He forgave those who nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him, Luke 23:34. In the depth of His agony Christ forgave, Luke 23:43.

No man can display the fulness of the humility Christ showed. The Creator of the universe, the great I Am that I am, Exodus 3:14, left His home in glory to make the Covenantal Way for all sinners, John 14:6. It is the only way for fallen man to enter into a personal relationship with God.

Your Goal

What is the goal in your life. Is it to be self-justified? That road leads only to disillusionment and harbouring a field of deadly killer weeds.

If your goal is to be humble no matter the cost, you will be successful beyond your wildest dreams, for God is the one who will exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6. As with all things, the choice is ever yours, for you have the gift of a free will.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal every incident where you have been offended, then quickly forgive that person in your heart. Be ready for the flood of freedom that will envelop you. As a leader of God’s people, encourage others to seek the same freedom from this killer weed.

Photo Source

Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.

Check out our other posts at Whispering Encouragement. We are here to inform and encourage. Subscribe for free so you can keep up to date with what interests you.

________________________Whispering Encouragement_______________________