Doesn’t it seem like individuals are easily offended these days?
Doesn’t it seem like individuals are easily offended these days? Even more so, it seems like some are looking for reasons to be offended. Social media has made it easier than ever to give and take offense, along with providing an international platform to express it. Crying offense seems to empower people to feel justified in speaking their minds and putting others in their place. Sadly, gaining attention these days also seems to be a catalyst and motivator to be offended. Still those easily offended are most often saying much more about themselves than those who have offended them.
Although the world seems to revolve around offense, we don’t have to get caught up in it or social media’s hurtful tactics.
So what do we do when the opportunity to take offense comes from those whom we least expect it from and those who have the ability to cause the deepest wounds?
In choosing to overlook offenses, we can rely on God for wisdom, asking for His leading in our reactions and responses. Rather than focusing on another’s weakness, we can choose to forgive, keeping God’s forgiveness for us at the forefront of our thoughts. In our godly handling of it, we begin to experience it less and less, as we learn to resist its call to embrace it. And the more we choose to overlook offenses, the more the love of God will be reflected through us.
Dr. Capps is the OIC (Maj) of Chaplain Services and Chief Psychological Officer of the VDF Chaplain Corps Psychological Resources Program. He also owns and operates Capps Christian Counseling LLC. since 2009. He has faithfully served with the USN, and the Virginia Defense Force. He is responsible for the creation of the VDF Mental Health Initiative, and the standing up of the Psychological Health Resources Program.
I can’t control how others react to any situation. I can’t control what others may do to try and hurt me. What I can do is study God’s teachings in the Bible, confirm my thoughts and beliefs through prayer, and become more Christ-like each day. Then I pray that God uses me to convey His salvation and gift of peace to others.
A wise person once told me – “Work to consider what happens (out of my control) as neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad,’ it just is. Then determine your response according to God’s teaching.”
Jesus had every opportunity to be offended when he was rejected, mocked, whipped, spit on, and ultimately murdered. He said, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.”
Thank you for your timely topic and Godly insights.