How To Keep Yourself From Being Offended

These days, everyone is offended.  Offended by a social media “like" or “dislike.”  Offended by being left out of the party.  Offended by politics, religion, race, referees, and a hundred other possible stumbling blocks.

All are legitimate and all are real.  None seem to produce positive change and results. 

Jesus said, “Blessed is the one who will not be offended by me.”

Moses’ brother and sister were offended over who he married.  He seemed calm and relaxed.   He was, by his own inspired words, “the meekest man in all the earth.”

How do you keep yourself from constantly being offended?

1.   RELAX in who you are.

If someone has a problem with who you are, they have a problem.  You cannot change certain things about yourself.

Why give someone the pleasure of making you miserable? Enjoy yourself, enjoy your life, enjoy every single moment of every day.  Whatever you do, don’t let someone else spoil your enjoyment of life.

2.   Ask God to be your DEFENDER.

Moses chose to not defend himself from Aaron and Miriam’s attacks about his Cushite wife.  He let God be his defender.

And God DID defend him.  He struck Miriam with leprosy. He is the “Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.”  When anyone falsely accuses or belittles you, they are dealing with a far more powerful adversary than you.

“God’s love is greater than your enemy’s hate.”

3.   Ask God to make you “DEAF” and “MUTE.”

When David was personally attacked, his prayer was, “But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth.  I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.” (Ps. 38:13-14)

Pretty good strategy, huh?  It’s easier said than done!  We are SO sensitive to what someone says about us.  We can hardly control our tongue when we “rapid fire” reply.  Listen…and be quiet.

4.   Ask God to give you “MEEKNESS.”

Meekness is not weakness; it is “controlled strength.”  Our pride gets hurt.  We unleash our strength in return.  We forget that “meekness” is a term used of a powerful, wild stallion that becomes broken and bridled.  Now, he can win races and wars.

Christ (and Moses) modeled this quality of meekness.  Though viciously and continually attacked, Christ said of Himself, “I am meek and humble of heart.  And you will find rest for your souls.”  This divine meekness and gentleness is a quality of Wisdom.

5.   Ask God to give you LOVE for your offenders.

On the cross, Jesus prayed for His offenders.  From the stoning pit, Stephen prayed for his murderers.  Why do we struggle to “get over” someone who didn’t send us an invitation to their party?

God’s love is greater than your enemy’s hate.  God feels pity and compassion for His enemies who, like Saul, are even killing Christians.  Pray for your offenders by name. 

“To err is human, to forgive divine. All people commit sins and make mistakes. God forgives them, and people are acting in a godlike (divine) way when they forgive.” ~ Alexander Pope

Let’s get started moving past that offense.  Put that offense in your rear view mirror…and ask God Himself how to do it.