Comments from certain family member can irk me so much that I fathom at the fiery darts — knowing full well that these words are from satan, intent to make me useless to God through my reaction.
As with any family, it’s easy to become offended at hurtful words, especially when their words intend to offend. Why? Because, they feel their opinion is worth airing despite the hurt it procures. It would be easy to retaliate. But is this right? And does it even help?
According to the scripture, love covers a multitude of sin and shortcomings. But when this verbal or action-based sin is aimed at me, everything in me wants to be offended. I have the right…don’t I? Isn’t it my job to defend myself and create boundaries?
According the Solomon, the wisest King ever, living a righteous life isn’t easy. But there are reasons why it’s beneficial. I can overcome my temptation to feel hurt by choosing to forget the insult or injury. It isn’t my responsibility to defend my every action. But if you know you’re in the right, then God will do that defending for you.
If I can be wise — if I’m going to grow up and learn to be like Christ and be used by Him — then it is to my credit not only to forgive, but also to simply overlook the offense. Oh, but this is hard! Yes, at first, when I noticed how easily offended I could be (which was a lot), I had to laugh. How absurd!
Christ could’ve been offended and should be at every sin we commit against Him. Yet, He overlooks this too. It is to our glory to overlook any stupid or careless offense. But it is to God’s glory that we do this for Him.
Memory Verse:
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
-Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, sometimes I want to take offense at my friends or family because I think I have the right to. Help me to remember that if we forgive others, You’ll forgive us. Help me to overlook offenses and only look to You….”
Contributing Writer:
Heather Spiva
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