Hi Beauties! I hope you are
all well. I wanted to discuss a subject that I am working on. It is a lifelong
journey with walking with Christ and we can only find solutions and consistency
when we continue to return to His presence, daily and consistently!
Are you offended? I thought
that it would be useful to define the word so that we are on the same page. Offence:
Annoyance or resentment brought about by
a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself.
Source: Google.
I think that taking offence
to things so easily is against what God has called us to do, be and represent.
The Bible speaks of God giving us perfect peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I really thank God for that because I can compare it to a time in
my life where I did not have this precious gift and was unhappy inside. The
part where it states that it surpasses
all understanding always catches my attention because it is clear that the
peace comes from a higher supernatural power which can only be found in
accepting and living for Jesus. You need not worry or chase after anything this
world has to offer, but focus on resting in Him.
Psalm 46:10 He says, "Be still, and know that I am
God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Going back to the topic of
offence, I have seen it all. I started to become sensitive to the things I took
offence to or the things that I saw other people taking offence to. I had a
conversation with myself, wondering why others and myself have allowed their
emotions to be controlled so easily. I
personally know that with the things that God has called me to do with the
ministry He has given me, I do not have time to take offence to every and
anything. Upon reflection, I needed to rise above such small things and focus
on the bigger things.
I remember when I
re-dedicated my life to Jesus in 2013. In 2014, I started co-leading Pinky Promise London with other ladies (a worldwide women’s ministry for women by Heather Lindsey). I
had no experience of leading, felt pretty lost and questioned almost daily why
I was doing this. I am so thankful for those days because it was a training
ground for me. I became surprised when I saw that women of God were gossiping,
discouraging others and seeing others in need but not actually helping. It was
not all bad do not get me wrong. I still have friendships from that group, was
able to find women that I can relate to in Christ and had many encouraging
meetings/Bible studies. But in my Baby Christian way of thinking, I did not
expect that such imperfections would be found within Christian women.
Pictured: Pinky Promise Leaders Team
I was offended! When I was
trying to encourage women and I did not really get a positive response, when I
would get attacked or put down by some in a not so loving way when I was
clearly trying (or so I thought) and the list goes on. I just could not see
beyond myself. I guess that is just it. When we learn to see beyond self, then we learn to take less offence as time goes
on. Knowing that we are doing it for JESUS and no other changes the game.
Remembering that we are not perfect and will always offend others as long as we
live puts things into perspective. Going back to our why will eradicate the
enemies attacks and leave us in a place of replacing the negativity with the
positivity and truth that comes from God’s word.
Ask yourself:
-
Is the offence
going to bring you closer to God?
-
Have you prayed
for the person?
-
Have you spoken
to them/corrected them lovingly?
-
Have you
forgiven?
-
Will you let the
offence turn into bitterness?
I let family member’s actions
change my mood, friends and people in ministry. Then I stopped to think that
this just is not worth it. I am not saying I will never be offended again, but
I will definitely pick and choose how I will respond. We cannot control other
people’s actions but we sure can control our own. For example, I sure find it
interesting that viewers on other You Tuber’s videos get so bothered about what
others choose to do with their lives. From their comments, it sounds like they
are worked up and offended. It is clear that there is a underlying issue there.
Looking at the bigger picture
allows us to:
- Pray for the
person
- Forgive
- Seek the Holy
Spirit who will tell us that the person actually may be going through something
- Show the person
love even though we think that they do not deserve it (we do not deserve the
love of Jesus but it is available to us anyway)
- See the bigger
picture, which is that we have to do everything we can as God leads, to lead
the person closer to Jesus.
I am thankful because
everything that I have learnt has taken me to where I am today. So cheers to
not allowing the minor things to bother me. Yes, the enemy sends people that
will allow themselves to be used to talk about you, try to discourage you and hurt
you. Those closest to you may do the same. But take heart, God is near. As long
as you are anchored in him, you will remember your why.
I do not know where I picked
up being easily offended, but all I know is that it has to die! I have started
to practice ignoring certain negative things that people say, especially when I
know that they are saying it directly to try
and bring me down. On the flipside, not everyone is out to get you! God has
brought positive people in your life to help you on your walk with Him. If you
keep getting offended for every correction that they give you, you may not grow
in certain areas and lose good friends!
Side note: a true friend will
tell you the truth because they want you to grow.
Remember, no weapon formed
against you will prosper.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon forged against you
will prevail,
and you will refute every
tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the
servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication
from me,”
declares the Lord.
I pray that you grow a
thicker skin in Christ and become sensitive to the Holy Spirit more than
sensitivity to other’s words of actions. Be strong in Christ so that you can be
strong to encourage others.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Rosemary x
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