Faith

Are You Easily Offended?

by Curt Klingeman
10/13/19
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Are you easily offended? If so, why? The decision rests squarely on your shoulders. You’re the gatekeeper of your heart. You decide what gets in and what goes out. No one can force you to be offended. It’s not wrong to find some things offensive, such as those things God finds to be so. Injustice being one example. But, those who are easily offended generally seek the offense. They thrive on it. They enjoy the ire it brings. They get a sense of power that comes with the quick flash of anger, known as wrath. They’re filled with insecurity, and hence, feel the need to create self-importance. Some have experienced deep rejection, and now find themselves looking for excuses to reject others. It’s easier to push people away than experience that pain all over again. Unfortunately, their pushback actually incites more rejection, though it may not be entirely obvious to them. People tend to avoid angry people who get offended at every little thing. Those who find that offense comes easy are disconnected from love to various degrees. They tend to be more offended with people than the things said or done. It becomes very personal.

   Love covers a multitude of sins(see 1 Peter 4:8) and keeps no record of wrong. Even though our sin was offensive to God, He did not hold it against us. He reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:19). In Him, our sins are no longer a consideration. There is no record of wrong doing or thinking. God was offended with sin, not us. He destroyed sin’s power at the Cross, while making a way for us to connect to Him. When you judge people, you come under judgment. When you judge things they say or do, you separate the person from the offense. Reconciliation is the heart of the matter. It’s important to learn to detach behavior and attitudes from the person; otherwise, you may reject the person. Perhaps, even condemn him or her in your heart. Offended people have a hard time praying for the perpetrator. Love seeks to save and heal. Sinners sin, they can’t help it. Some Christians do offensive things at times. Some of which is the result of deep seated hurts -they’re lashing out. We cannot become judgmental and hope to see them healed and restored. It’s vital to look past the offense for the other’s sake. It’s not that we don’t address the object of offense, it’s a matter of how we address it. Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (see also James 5:19-20).

   Many who are easily offended live in a state of unforgiveness. For whatever reason, they find it impossible in themselves to forgive. Being overrun by emotions can make it very difficult. Scripture provides a solution. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Come before God Who is rich in mercy, ask Him for the help you need, and He will give you the ability you don’t have in yourself to forgive -grace. His grace is sufficient for you, and by it, you can stop being easily offended. Fortunately for us, God is not easily offended!

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