Got Change?Sample

OVERLOOK OFFENSE It is inevitable that people are going to offend us either intentionally or unintentionally. What does the Bible teach us about it? The first half of Proverbs 19:11 mentioned above advocates us to be patient, that is, to exercise self-control. When we take offense easily it is a sign of our being easily angered. We need to grow in our ability to be patient with people and overlook offenses. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense (Proverbs 17:9). Then the next part of the verse, "it is to one's glory to overlook an offense". This means that overlooking an offense shows our maturity and gracious attitude. It shows that we do not let our egos get big on us. It would also increase our respectability and show us to be approachable by people. Now, to overlook an offence doesn't mean we negate justice. But it means that we are willing to forgive people and not looking for retaliation and vengeance. Also, it depends on what we take offence to. If we are easily offended, it can be an indication of our pride: 'How can this person say this to me?” At times when our opinion is not considered as much as someone else's, we need to humble ourselves and accept and appreciate the other. We need to ask God to deal with our pride and not think highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). In the words of 20th Century's famed theologian C.S. Lewis: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” Also, when someone offends us often, it is not wrong to sit with that person and talk about it gently. Sometimes he may not know that he offended you or that you do not like such and such remarks. Sometimes the problem could be an attitude in us that needs to be corrected. Rather than holding grudges, an honest talk clears a lot of air. And there are also times when the offender believes in no moral values and never takes correction. It is better to keep our peace by not associating too much with them. It doesn't mean we give up on people or shut them out, but that we do not go looking for trouble. We need to still pray for them and be kind to them. The CHALLENGE to Change: How will you deal with your noisy, contentious, gossipy colleague in future? Can you handle honest criticism directed at you?