One
way the enemy keeps a person in an offended state is to keep the offense
hidden,
cloaked with pride. Pride will keep you from admitting your true
condition.
Once
I was severely hurt by a couple of ministers. People would say, “I can’t
believe
they did this to you. Aren’t you hurt?” I would quickly respond, “No, I am
fine.
I’m not hurt.” I knew it was wrong to be offended, so I denied and
repressed
it. I convinced myself I was not, but in reality I was. Pride masked the
true
condition of my heart.
Pride
keeps you from dealing with truth. It distorts your vision. You never
change
when you think everything is fine. Pride hardens your heart and dims the
eyes
of your understanding. It keeps you from the change of heart – repentance
–
that will set you free (See 2 Timothy 2:21-25).
Pride
causes you to view yourself as a victim. Your attitude becomes, “I was
mistreated
and misjudged; therefore, I am justified in my behavior.” Because you
believe
you are innocent and falsely accused, you hold back forgiveness.
Though
your true heart condition is hidden from you, it is not hidden from God.
Just
because you were mistreated, you do not have permission to hold on to an
offense.
Two wrongs do not make a right!