Taking Offense😤

Until we take responsibility for being offended, by saying I’m no longer going to put that responsibility on everyone else to not offend me, we will remain in a trap that keeps us from enjoying LIFE! – Joyce Meyer

The recent presidential election had me scratching my head on many levels. The proclivity and waggishness exhibited by each news channel made it crystal clear where each news outlet stood on different hot topics and who they supported as the future President. You know what else was blatantly obvious…. Who they didn’t support. And this was across the board for all stations: CNN, FOX, MSNBC, NEWSMAX, etc. But what was funny/ironic, was that they would then respond with offense when the “opposition” would do the same thing they were doing. What! 🫢 Every popular news station fell into this trap. All proclaiming to be truth and reasonable.

Growing up I would often hear two very different sides or opinions of the same topic, or political figure, in my house or at family gatherings.  It decidedly did help me to love the person behind the opinion or “truth” of the debate because I had a relationship and respect for both sides of the issue. How this affected me on whether this experience was a blessing, or a curse has yet to be deciphered ,🤔 but from a blessing point of view I have always taken what I hear and put it in a bag to unload later when I’ve had time to research or ponder on…. Things like, “what does the bible say about this”?📙

The cursing of my experience has led to moments of indecision in times when decision is needed. James 1:8 states that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways. So, in between, the blessing or the curse, I’m left with what makes me…. well…me!

Taking a stand and deciding on who to vote for is necessary, but it should never include having to cut the other person down. We are called to love one another 💞, and love requires both Truth & Mercy. Whether I agree with your decisions, your actions or opinions should not determine whether I decide to love you. I’m going to pray for whomever is sitting as our president of the United States, or leader of our church or leader of your church.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority". 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Over the years, I’ve seen, within friends, family and country, divisions and detachments because of people being offended. Offended by the government, by words of disagreement, by a look they received, by how someone is dressed, and the list continues. My kids are afraid to speak out because they live in a time where “cancel culture” is very real for them. Two of our kids experienced first-hand the loss of friends and friend groups because of how they voted.

One of my sons, who is now 23 “What?” That offends me…just kidding! 😂He is currently in college and is wrapping up his Speech class. I have to say I’m very impressed with his instructor as she has challenged the class of Gen Z’s (known for being direct and transparent) to speak on hot topics such as abortion, the middle east, and women’s vs men’s rights. I shouldn’t say she challenges them as its more of a “if you want to get a passing grade you need to speak your mind and be open minded enough to listen to what someone else is saying”.  She finds out what they currently believe in, related to world issues and much more, and then speak the opposition to their peers. 👻

Jaxon has shared with me some of the things that have been discussed in this class, arguments from the other side of issues that I have stood firm on and still do.  But hearing the other side of these civil issues has given me a compassion and understanding as to why they think and feel the way they do. What a blessing. 🕊️

As people of a chosen generation, a purchased people and a holy nation we should be able to speak and express what we know, and think and feel but also, we should be able to listen to others who disagree with us without offense. Offense is a choice and many times it starts with forgiveness. 🙏💌

Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is a choice. If you are on a continuous search to be offended, you will always find what you're looking for. Your life is too short and your calling too great to be offended by something small! – Craig Groeschel

Isn’t this so true…

This reminds me of the story in the bible when Peter and the disciples are in a boat in the middle of an ocean and there is a storm. The waves were crashing and the winds blowing 💨and lightning striking 🌩️but Jesus waves for Peter to get out of the boat and walk on the water just as he is doing. I bet it was cold too! 🥶 The storm was very real, and the lightning and waves were happening but when Peter focused on Jesus, the love of Jesus, he could stay above water but when he was focused on the deadly storm he would sink. Jesus is saying keep your eyes on me, and remember….I made you…. all of you in my image. When you see others see me.

Heavenly Father, help us to focus on you and your love and your love in others as you have made each of us so precious and unique and worthy of our time and attention…. even if we don’t agree.