Offended
I’ve been offended many times. I’ve tried to learn over the years to let stuff “roll off of me” when someone hurts me. It’s easier said than done. When someone close to me offends me, I have work to do. I must gain understanding for the relationship to continue to grow and become healthier. If someone I hardly know offends me, it’s easier to let it go.
When communication is broken and assumptions move in, it’s easy to become offended. I’ve jumped to conclusions in relationships that were in my head. I’m still learning to believe the best about a person or situation until I’m proven incorrect.
I know I’ve offended the Lord many times over. I’m embarrassed as I think about how many times and how bad my offensive behavior was. I’m so thankful for His grace and mercy. David pens some words in Psalm 139 about offending God. He’s giving God permission to call him out. Check this out…
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)
I trust the Lord to point out my offensive behavior.
I trust those closest to me to call me out when I’m out of line.
I believe offensive behavior comes from my heart.
Offensive behavior reveals a bigger heart issue.
When my behavior offends or harms anyone, it’s because my heart needs some work that only God and I can do. The Lord knows my thoughts. My heart issues start with my thoughts. I think it’s healthy to talk to the Lord about my thoughts because He may have to help me rein them in before they develop into action.
I don’t want to be offensive and divisive. I want to live with deep conviction that Jesus came to earth to save the world. He wants to draw us to Him. He wants to restore our soul. He wants us to become offensive to Satan because our hearts are devoted to Him.
I want the Lord to speak to me often and shape my heart to become how He wants me to love, live and serve!
Pressing On!
Dwayne