Why should I not be willing to be offended, just as Christ was “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). The next time you are offended—by anyone or anything—pause and pray for discernment, for insight before you respond.

It happens to all of us. Someone does or says something that hurts. It can be legitimate or illegitimate… true or a little truth laced with lies. Or it could be completely wrong and fully dishonest. Whatever it is that is said or done, it hurts. They may know what they did and even had done it with malice or be completely oblivious.

Our Immediate Response

Anger is the normal response. There is a righteous anger that can be needed at times. But for most of us, that’s not our problem. We respond with anger because we’re hurt, our “rights” are trampled, we’re misunderstood, misrepresented, or marginalized.

The tragedy is that anger accomplishes nothing of value. In fact, it usually drives us to harsh words and reactions, which just stir up further strife. Done often enough, it creates patterns that become a sad part of our character.

The Wise Response

Solomon made an observation about how wise men and women respond when offended.

A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11).

There are reasons why people do things that offend us. God is interested in what is behind the offense. And, if we are interested in letting God lead in the situation, we will be too.

Read More