Oxford defines offended as frustrated or annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult. Boy, did they (whoever they is) hit the nail on the head.
If you thought this was going to be about the latest and greatest in the world of politics- don't be disappointed. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Being offended literally makes me weak. When my feelings get hurt, someone says something I don't like, etc., I just hone in on it and sit there. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to let go, let God, and find strength in Him. Unfortunately, I often times find myself regretting my reactions to offenses. God's Holy Word tells us that He loves us with an everlasting love, and I'm just like, WOW. Every single moment of every single day multiple people, past, present, and future, have sinned, sin, and will sin against God. He knew this would be, and yet He loves us anyway. He knew this would be, and yet He chose to send His Son for our sins. When I get offended, I become so conditional (not some of my proudest moments). I want to withdrawl from that person. I want to avoid that person. I vent about that person. Sometimes, I even react to that person. #notproud #keepingitreal I'm so thankful for God's everlasting, unconditional love. In 2 Corinthians chapter 2 Paul is writing to the church, and interestingly, he focuses on how to restore a fellow Christian who had done wrong. He urged the Corinthians to forgive this man. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm [your] love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ; 2 Corinthians 2:8-10 Paul knew the danger that comes along with unforgiveness, and ultimately, bitterness. Holding on to offenses is a maneuver of Satan's, and when when we allow bitterness to creep in, relationships are severed. God has given me many amazing gifts in life. I'm a relational person. I love people. I love my husband. Getting married was like the best thing ever. I have a constant earthly companion. It's seriously like having a slumber party every night. I have my best friend with me at all times- not always, but you catch my drift. For real, marriage is my favorite. While I love marriage, the most incredible gift God has ever given me is that of forgiveness. I get my feelings hurt probably more than the average person. That phrase "heart on her sleeve"? Yeah, it's tattooed there. In my old age, I've toughened up a bit, but I'm still pretty tender. It can actually be a good thing, but boy howdy can it be a bad thing. And when those offenses come, it's not always easy to forgive. It's not always easy to be the bigger person. It's not always easy to say no to my flesh. But y'all, when you're a child of God, He forgives EVERY offense. There are no stipulations when your sin has been covered in the blood of Jesus, and that is just incredible. Tonight, I talked on the phone for a bit with one of my best friends in the history of ever. After talking Sunday school, school, life lately, and Elisabeth Elliot, I hung up encouraged, convicted, and motivated. I listened to a very short talk from Elisabeth Elliot, and she focused on these two quotes, and just wow. Neither of them necessarily deal with unforgiveness, but they really focus on our mindset and attitude. Oxford explained offended as a result of a misperception. In dealing with people, conversations happen. Thoughts are spoken and thoughts are interpreted. Therefore, misunderstandings occur. When we speak, so much happens. What we meant to say, what we said, what others heard, what we think the heard, what they retell, and the list goes on. The familiar verse in James holds so true. Be swift to listen and slow to speak. I'm not always the greatest with this. I selfishly want to explode with what I have to say, and I miss so much, and I would imagine misinterpret so much. Our attitudes directly affect our perception. "They who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod; They who work without complaining do the holy will of God." Henry van Dyke. "Whence comes it that we have so many complaints, each saying that his occupation is a hindrance to him, while notwithstanding his work is of God, who hin-dereth no man? Whence comes this inward reproof and sense of guilt which torment and disquiet you? Dear children, know that it is not your work which gives you this disquiet. No; it is your want of order in fulfilling your work. If you performed your work in the right method, with a sole aim to God, and not to yourselves, your own likes and dislikes, nor sought your own gain or pleasure, but only God’s glory, in your work, it would be impossible that it should grieve your conscience. It is a shame for a man if he have not done his work properly, but so imperfectly that he has to be rebuked for it. For this is a sure sign that his works are not done in God, with a view to His glory and the good of his neighbor." John Tauler. Lord, help me to be uplifting. Help me to see others as You see them. Help me to share Your love and forgiveness, even when I don't feel like it. Help me, please to seek a different approach- to be set apart. Help me to go outside of the typical and expected, and instead seek You. God, today I was one negative Nancy. I'm sorry. Please help me to see the good in all the people and situations with which You've graced me with. Forgive me of the offenses of which I did not let go. Forgive me for my reactions and for taking matters into my own hands. I praise You for Your sovereignty. Thank You, God, for Your unfathomable, unconditional, unfailing, and eternal love. You are a good, good Father, and I am so thankful to be Your child.
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