Your Emotional Health MattersChikamu

Offended? Take a seat!

'You're so annoying!' 'You're too much to handle.' 'Stop being so embarrassing!'

Sounds familiar?

Maybe you've heard such statements from friends or family. And the trail of emotions goes from shame to hurt to offense. Offense surfaces as bitterness and unforgiveness. What started as a one-off comment degenerated into a cesspool of emotional distress that stunts our spiritual growth. What's the solution then?

There's a story about Mother Teresa. Once, a baker spat on her hand when she visited him for bread for her orphaned children. In reply, she said, 'I would keep this for me, but give me some bread for my children,' while holding out her other hand. Incredibly, the man soon became a main bread donor for her orphanage. She could either take offense and never speak to the man or look to the higher goal and choose to let go of offense. She chose the latter.

Ok, so you're not Mother Teresa. Then consider the story of King David and the prophet Nathan when the latter confronted the king about murder and adultery. 2 Samuel 12:13 captures David's response to the Lord's rebuke: 'I have sinned against the Lord.' David could either take offense and claim it was all lies or acknowledge the truth and take remedial action. He chose the latter.

Offense comes easy. The more we try not to get offended, the more we run mind circles around 'that moment.' But, the Bible offers a way out. Deuteronomy 30:19 is the ringtone on the God-given power to choose between life and death! When you choose life, by derivation, you let go of offense and the upending emotions of hurt and anger that hold back life.

As a first step to letting go of the offense, forgive those who offended you. They might not even know they've offended you, but your choice to stay offended will only lock you in bitterness further!

You're not waiting for an apology from them or for you to 'feel' forgiveness to forgive. In Christ, we are commanded to release forgiveness today. In turn, Isaiah 61:1 promises that we are set free from the prison of hurt!

To Consider:

What offense has gained control over you? How is that confining your freedom to walk in sound emotional health? How can you begin to release those offenses into God’s hands?