READ: John 6: 64-71
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 6:70
Jesus knew that His disciples would be offended. Most of His disciples left Him and would walk no more with Him. Jesus asked His other disciples whether they would also leave. From that time, many of His disciples walked no longer with Him. They were offended at this message.
There are many things that will offend you as you serve the Lord. Many are called but many are also offended! One day, I heard a piece of advice from a senior minister. He said, “Always keep your heart pure and free of hurts.” As the years have gone by, I have realized how important his advice was.
When you meet an Absalom, you will have a reason to be hurt. I once had sons and daughters in the ministry whom I loved dearly. These sons and daughters hurt me greatly. I could not believe my eyes and my ears when I thought of what these people had done to me. But I had to get used to it and forgive them. Such is the experience with an Absalom; someone who hurts his father!
Forgiveness is the reason why you still have people in your life after many years. If you allow offence to drive you out, you will be out forever. If Jesus had followed the hurts that He experienced at the cross, He would not have had anybody to send to the world. The people He had sent to the world to preach the gospel denied Him. He had spent three years with them, having dinners, lunches and many good times with them.
A friend in need is a friend indeed! When you are in need and you have no friend, then you truly have no friend.