We don't have time for…offense

How quickly we humans can get offended. Would you agree?

It starts in kindergarten, when another child gets to play with the toy we would've liked to have. Later in life, we may get offended if we make a deal with someone and then get stood up at short notice. Have you heard the stories of husbands or wives accidentally forgetting their wedding days? Yikes!

So often in life, we encounter situations that have the potential to cause great offense.

But do you know what the Bible has to say about it? Proverbs 19:11 tells us, "Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense." (Proverbs 19:11, AMPC) https://www.bible.com/bible/8/PRO.19.11.AMPC It also says in Proverbs that "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." (Proverbs 12:16, NIV) https://www.bible.com/bible/111/PRO.12.16.NIV

The wise person calmly overlooks insults and just gets on with life. These are such good verses! They show us how to deal with insults; avoid pointless and negative thoughts; and, perhaps even most importantly, save time!

Why waste time when you can use it?

I'd like you to consider this today: how quickly do you get offended?

It's exhausting to be surrounded by people who are easily offended, isn't it? Do you really want to be one of those people? Do I? Or do we want to be able to forgive generously and simply overlook insults? (Many times, others don't even intend to insult us, but we may take it that way.)

Another translation of Proverbs 12:16 reads, "A fool's anger is known at once, but a cautious person slighted conceals his feelings." (Proverbs 12:16, CJB)

Yes, we can learn to master our emotions! And it's absolutely worth it. I don't want to waste another second being offended…how about you??

Let's ask the Lord to help us…"Jesus, especially as I'm starting this year fresh and new, I don't want to waste any more time being offended! Help me not to take everything personally all the time and instead to forgive and love more generously! I don't want to be a demanding person. I want to be a blessing to others! Thank You for changing me. In Your name, amen!"

You are a miracle!

Déborah