Definition and Context
In the biblical context, the concept of "not being offended" often refers to maintaining faith and trust in God despite challenges, misunderstandings, or stumbling blocks that may arise. The term "offense" in Scripture can denote a stumbling block or cause for falling away from faith. It is closely related to the idea of spiritual resilience and steadfastness.

Biblical References
One of the key passages addressing the idea of not being offended is found in the words of Jesus. In Matthew 11:6 , Jesus says, "Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me." Here, Jesus acknowledges that His teachings and actions may be challenging or countercultural, yet He pronounces a blessing on those who remain steadfast and do not take offense.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains how different people respond to the word of God. In Matthew 13:21 , He describes the seed sown on rocky ground: "But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." This illustrates how some may be offended or fall away when faced with trials or persecution.

Theological Significance
Theologically, not being offended is linked to the virtue of perseverance. It involves trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when His ways are not fully understood. This trust is rooted in a deep relationship with Christ, who is described as the "rock of offense" in Romans 9:33 : "As it is written: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'"

Practical Application
For believers, the call to not be offended is a call to spiritual maturity. It involves cultivating a heart that is open to correction, willing to forgive, and ready to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In John 16:1 , Jesus warns His disciples, "I have told you these things so that you will not fall away." This admonition encourages believers to remain vigilant and grounded in their faith.

Examples from Scripture
The Apostle Paul serves as a model of not being offended. Despite facing numerous trials, including imprisonment and persecution, Paul remained steadfast in his mission. In 2 Corinthians 6:3 , he writes, "We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry." Paul’s life exemplifies the commitment to not causing or taking offense, focusing instead on the advancement of the Gospel.

Conclusion
The biblical call to not be offended is an invitation to deepen one's faith and reliance on God. It challenges believers to rise above personal grievances and societal pressures, holding fast to the truth of Scripture and the hope found in Christ.Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me.
Topicalbible.org

That the Gods could not be Offended by the Adultery of Paris, this ...
... Book III. Chapter 3."That the Gods Could Not Be Offended by the Adultery
of Paris, This Crime Being So Common Among Themselves. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 that the gods could.htm

The Son in Union with the Father in the Creation of all Things ...
... And to prevent their being offended at this fact, we give a reason why they are
not said to be two Gods and two Lords, but that they are two as Father and Son ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xix the son in union.htm

The Offence of the Pharisees.
... this, the Pharisees being offended at this saying, as, because of their evil opinions
and their worthless interpretation of the law, they were not the plant of ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/13 the offence of the.htm

That Love is Exercised in Penitence, and First, that There are ...
... we consider sometimes how God who is offended has established a ... losing it is an
excellent fear; and not only so, but the desire of paradise being very worthy ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xviii that love is.htm

Peter as a Stumbling-Block to Jesus.
... of the steadfastness of those who have love, and are incapable of being offended,
for "love ... But it must be said that not only the Saviour, but also he who is ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/23 peter as a stumbling-block.htm

Concerning the Centurion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son. ...
... [4156] Therefore John, being now an ordinary person, and only one of the many,
[4157] was offended indeed as a man, but not because he expected or thought of ...
/.../chapter xviii concerning the centurions faith.htm

Mahomet.
... Some of the Arabs being offended at the new teaching, wanted to put him to ... They did
not persecute Christians, but they kept them down and despised them; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxix mahomet.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... truths of the gospel, they must not offended, though a ... hear me, I would cry, "Be
not righteous over-much ... your righteousness to Christ, and by being righteous in ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

A Continuation of the Preceding Discourse. How Every One, While ...
... You are not obliged to seek out him who has offended you, for it is his place to ...
yet do I scarcely think it is to be termed an heroic act, not being chosen by ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ix a continuation of.htm

Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ...
... to prolong the controversy of pure tradition and Catholic faith, being offended
against Christ ... is God also, in such a way as that it may not militate against ...
/.../chapter xxx argument in fine notwithstanding.htm

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