It seems that in our society everyone seems to taken an offense at something. And as of lately, they are very vocal about what offends them and how others should or should not be offended as well. In a sense, it is very sad and makes me just want to scream! Let's look at what offense means.
Offense is defined as an annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.
Benjamin Young was quoted as saying "He who takes offense when no offense is intended is a fool. and he who takes offense when offense is intended is a greater fool." I am sure that quote hurt a few feelings for sure.
Even Jesus warned of taking offense in Luke 17 when he said "Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."
A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11
When I read that quote and those scriptures it makes me think of children and how they react. It's easy for me to do that since I work with them day in and day out at the preschool! When they are offended, you know it. They are loud, obnoxious at times and very demanding. If they happen to not be your children you want to flee as quick as you can.
This is what I noticed a lot in the last few weeks through social media. I have seen people on both sides of the issues take offense and want to either try to convince the other side that their belief is not right or they get so offended they decide to shut down their account and run away.
I am not saying everyone should believe in the same thing. That will NEVER happen. We all have a lot of emotion, life experiences, and thoughts that help decide what we choose to support or not. But shoving our own beliefs down one another's throats will only resume in choking. Choking relationships, experiences, and opportunities to serve and be a light to someone who may be watching you for leadership. It makes you want to shake people and say GROW UP!
Here are a few tips to help you decide if you have been "offended" and how to let it go.
1. YOUR ideal may not be someone else's. YOU can't change that by arguing, belittling, and shaming. You might have a scripture that backs up your belief, but you better believe they will have some tool as well.
2. If your feeling anxious inside, perhaps that is the spirit inside you reminding you that you are not acting in a loving manner. Perhaps you are heartbroken because someone you cared about doesn't believe as you once thought they should. Let it go. NONE Of us will ever be held accountable for anyone else's choice but our own. You will be held accountable for choosing to be offended rather than understanding and caring.
3. If you are getting offended easily, it's time to dig deep and figure out why. If you don't like what is happening around you, what actions can you take to make the changes needed in a positive way?
This is what I noticed a lot in the last few weeks through social media. I have seen people on both sides of the issues take offense and want to either try to convince the other side that their belief is not right or they get so offended they decide to shut down their account and run away.
I am not saying everyone should believe in the same thing. That will NEVER happen. We all have a lot of emotion, life experiences, and thoughts that help decide what we choose to support or not. But shoving our own beliefs down one another's throats will only resume in choking. Choking relationships, experiences, and opportunities to serve and be a light to someone who may be watching you for leadership. It makes you want to shake people and say GROW UP!
Here are a few tips to help you decide if you have been "offended" and how to let it go.
1. YOUR ideal may not be someone else's. YOU can't change that by arguing, belittling, and shaming. You might have a scripture that backs up your belief, but you better believe they will have some tool as well.
2. If your feeling anxious inside, perhaps that is the spirit inside you reminding you that you are not acting in a loving manner. Perhaps you are heartbroken because someone you cared about doesn't believe as you once thought they should. Let it go. NONE Of us will ever be held accountable for anyone else's choice but our own. You will be held accountable for choosing to be offended rather than understanding and caring.
3. If you are getting offended easily, it's time to dig deep and figure out why. If you don't like what is happening around you, what actions can you take to make the changes needed in a positive way?
Love this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! It is too easy for us to desire to take offense, but if we would just do our best and worry about the way we choose to handle each situation instead of how the world is... we would be a far happier and more successful society! Thanks for stopping by and thank you for leaving a comment!
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