Little Foxes

The book of Solomon mentions “little foxes that spoil the vine,” encouraging us to identify and address things that can hinder growth or destroy the fruitfulness in our lives. One of these “little foxes” that we see today is the culture of offence.
It’s easy to find ourselves offended—whether it’s by something someone said, something we’ve experienced, or even on behalf of someone else. At times, we may even take up offence without fully understanding the situation. This can lead us to assumptions, misunderstandings, and unnecessary conflict.
In today’s world, we also see the power of protest as people express their concerns about various issues. While voicing concerns is important, it’s worth considering how we, as followers of Christ, navigate these moments. Are we contributing to healing and reconciliation, or are we allowing offence to take root in our hearts?
As the Church, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and unity. If we’re not careful, we too can fall into patterns of offence—when things don’t go our way, when we feel misunderstood, or when we hear secondhand accounts of a situation. These moments challenge us to respond in a way that reflects God’s grace, not the negativity that offence can bring.
Scripture provides clear guidance on this:

• Ephesians 4:31-32 teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger” and to practice kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
• Matthew 5:23-24 reminds us of the importance of reconciliation, prioritizing restored relationships over ritual offerings.
• Proverbs 19:11 tells us that “it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence,” emphasizing the wisdom of patience and grace.

Here are five practical steps to keep offence from becoming a "little fox" that hinders the work God is doing in and through us:

1. Guard your heart and mind - Offence often begins with thoughts that take root in our hearts. When negative feelings arise, take them captive and bring them before Christ. Choose to dwell on God’s truth instead of replaying the hurt. Replace frustration with Scripture and prayer.
2. Be mindful of your words - Words have the power to build or destroy. If you hear something troubling, pause before speaking. Avoid gossip and toxic conversations that spread negativity. Instead, address concerns with the person directly in love and humility.
3. Choose to overlook offences - Not every situation requires a response. Some offences are small and can be let go. Holding onto them can drain your peace and joy. Cultivate the ability to extend grace, even when it’s not asked for.
4. Forgive quickly - Forgiveness is like tending a garden—dealing with offences early keeps your heart free from weeds of bitterness. When forgiveness becomes a habit, it prevents resentment from taking root and disrupting your relationships with others and with God.
5. Pray for those who offend you - One of the most transformative acts is to pray for those who hurt or offend you. This act of intercession shifts your perspective, softening your heart and allowing God’s love to flow through you. Prayer helps release any lingering offence and invites healing.

When we address offences quickly and biblically, we protect the unity and fruitfulness that God desires for our families, workplaces, and church. Moments of growth and renewal often attract challenges, but by keeping our hearts aligned with Christ, we can overcome these “little foxes.”
Unity within the body of Christ is a powerful testimony to the world and a direct challenge to the enemy’s schemes. Let’s strive to foster understanding, love, and reconciliation, trusting God to guide us through every challenge.