Refuse To Be Offended
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11 NIV). Every day, we’re presented with opportunities to be offended. Offences will come, according to the Bible.
People will do things that may hurt or offend you, but it’s entirely up to you to decide whether or not to be offended.
In Mark 7, the Syrophenician woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit could have been offended at Jesus’ statement. She had cried after the Master for help, and in their ensuing dialogue, Jesus said, “Woman, it’s not right for us to give the children’s bread to dogs” (Mark 7:27).
The woman could have said, “How could He call me a dog, just because I’m asking him for help? Is this how He talks to people?” But no; she was smarter than that. In a remarkable display of humility, she replied, “…Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs” (Mark 7:28). Consequently, she got her miracle!
Why wasn’t she offended by the Master’s statement? She had the heart of a true worshipper! As a true worshipper, you don’t care what anyone calls you, says to you or about you; you don’t care how anyone treats you. All that matters to you is your love for the Lord and your desire to please Him.
Always remember that it’s to your glory to overlook an offence. Don’t say, “I can’t take that insult for any reason!” You’ve been decorated with honour and kingdom dignity; no one, and nothing can dishonour you.
This was the Apostle Paul’s understanding when he said, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities…” (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV). Glory to God!
PRAYER
Loving heavenly Father, thank you for the counsel in your Word. I submit myself wholly to your Word, to walk in your righteousness always, showing forth your divine virtues in me. You’ve decorated me with honour and kingdom dignity, and my heart is full of love and humility. Continually, your character and personality are revealed in and through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 6:7 AMPC; Proverbs 12:16 ESV; 1 Peter 5:6
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Isaiah 64-66
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 6:15-21 2 Kings 1-2
