What is an offense? It’s “an annoyance brought about by a perceived insult or disregard”……….”the action of attacking someone.” Thanks Oxford Dictionary. What do I do with an insult or an attack that seems unfair or unwarranted? Are any offenses ever fair? Offenses are very hurtful and don’t do anyone any good, neither the offender or the offended. What would Jesus do? He would love first, right? But how?
Per Jonathan Edwards in Charity and Its Fruits: “Men that have their spirits heated and enraged and rising in bitter resentment when they are injured act as if they thought some strange thing had happened to them. Whereas they are very foolish in so thinking for it is no strange thing at all but only what was to be expected in a world like this. They therefore do not act wisely that allow their spirits to be ruffled by the injuries they suffer.”
People may unintentionally or intentionally harm or damage reputations but by keeping our eyes on God, we can overcome. The Lord protects us, goes with us, before us, and behind us. May His wisdom and grace prevail. May our spirits be unruffled and come to one another in brotherly and sisterly love as we seek to understand, connect, and overcome.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Praying God’s Word and blessings upon us all.
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