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  • Writer's pictureRhovonda Brown
    • Feb 13, 2019
    • 3 min read

Offended


My

mouth, if I’m not careful, can get me in a lot of trouble (Prov. 21:23). On a daily basis I have to remind myself to use wisdom when I speak, to be mindful of what I’m going to say and how I’m going to say it. Without using wisdom and without thinking before I speak, my mouth can offend others. On many occasions I’ve had to humbly go to another person and ask for forgiveness because of what I said and how I said it. James says, “No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” (Jam. 3:8, NLT). I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit who continuously corrects me when I don’t control my tongue.

It hurts more and cuts deeper when we are wounded intentionally or unintentionally by one of our own, a Christian. I believe it harms more because the one that was offended thinks Christians should know better; therefore, they should do better. However, we must remember that Christians are not perfect. Though we are believers, we are imperfect people saved by grace. On the other hand, as Christians, we must do better and not use “I’m not perfect.” as an excuse to be reckless in our behavior and speech. Just because we are flawed, does not give us a pass on the way we treat others.

Many people have walked away from the church and their faith in God because of the way they were treated by a fellow believer. Being a Christian, requires us to have tough skin, as well as being sensitivity to another person’s feelings. How we treat our brothers and sisters can create lasting relationships or cause divisions within the Christian faith.

LUKE 14:1-4 MSG He said to his disciples, “Hard trials and temptations are bound to come, but too bad for whoever brings them on! Better to wear a millstone necklace and take a swim in the deep blue sea than give even one of these dear little ones a hard time! “Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.

BEEN OFFENDED?

As a Christian, what should we do when someone offends us? According to Galatians 6: 1, we should:

  1. Forgive that person, without animosity. Hold no grudges.

  2. In the Spirit of humility, go to that person. After you have cooled down, take the first step to go to the offender. In love and with patience, share your feelings and how you were hurt.

  3. With gentleness, restore the relationship. Do your part to rebuild the bond. Don’t brush it under the table, but do what you can do to resolve the issue.

  4. Be mindful because it could be you in their shoes. Consider how would you feel if the tables were turned, so watch your tone and your words.

THE OFFENDER?

As a Christian, what should we do when we have offended someone, unintentionally or intentionally? According to Galatians 6:1, we should:

  1. In the Spirit of humility, go to that person.

  2. With gentleness and sincerity, ask for forgiveness.

  3. Without animosity and with patience and love, work to restore the relationship.

  4. Be mindful because it could be you in their shoes. Remember how you felt when you were offended by someone. Try to honestly see things in their perspective.

All of us have been offended by someone. Likewise, we have been on the other end of the spectrum. However, as children of God, we must pay special attention to our actions, behaviors, and our words. The life we live must be a reflection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

My sister, have you offended someone? Don’t you think it’s about time to make amends? Do your best to restore the relationship. I’m praying God will give you wisdom to approach that person in the spirit of love and humility.

Now, let’s walk in freedom together! Your sis, Rhovonda

 

It’s Wednesday, Hump Day! Here’s our biblical principle to help us get over the hump.

JAMES 3:5-6 NLT 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
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