Choosing grace over offence
Have you ever met anyone who easily takes offence? Or perhaps you are someone who takes offence easily?
In Matthew 17:24-27 we read,
“After Jesus arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give to them for my tax and yours.”
Jesus teaches us a valuable principle we can use in our dealings with other people. Sometimes we are inclined to take offence or to offend others. Even when we are right, there are moments when extending grace is wiser than insisting on proving ourselves.
Even though Jesus, as the Son of God, was not required to pay the temple tax – after all, the children of kings are exempt – he chose to act with wisdom and grace. Rather than causing offence or conflict, he graciously provided what was needed. He sent Peter to fish in the lake, and the first fish Peter caught contained the coin to pay both their taxes. In this small but significant action, Jesus showed us that sometimes it is wise to do something we are not obligated to do, in order to prevent offence, extend grace, and reflect God’s love in our interactions with others.
In your own conflicts, are there areas where you can be like Jesus? Instead of demanding your rights or proving yourself right, what would it look like to follow his example and extend grace?
Take a moment to reflect on one situation where you might choose peace over proving a point, and ask God for the wisdom and courage to respond with humility and love.
This devotion was written by Wendy Konemann and prepared for publication with the PeaceWise team.
Wendy is passionate about peacemaking and connecting people to Jesus in the midst of their hurt and pain, providing practical tools to navigate conflict. She has a Bacherlor’s degree in Applied Psychology (Counselling), training and experience in inner healing and trauma work, is a conflict coach, mediator and trainer. Wendy currently lives in Hong Kong with her husband Jeff who is working for Cathay Pacific. She loves hiking, reading and eating amazing Cantonese food!
