Taking Offense

There will always be something said or done to you that will be offensive. We cannot control offenses being done to us. But we can control how we react to them. Now- when an offense happens TO you, it’s easy to recognize. You are on the receiving end. You can feel when someone is disrespecting you. You can feel the disdain and intent to hurt your feelings. And we cannot control how the other person acts or what they say. As much as some of us want to control the actions of others, we do not possess that power. We cannot control the offense being done to us. We cannot control what was said. We cannot control what was typed in a post or comment. We cannot control what is recorded on TV that is offensive to us. BUT- you can control how you REACT to them. Now, the world is going to tell you to strike back! If you offend me, I am going to offend you! Your belief offended me, let me tell you how my opinion is correct. You have no right to talk to me that way, let me put you in your place! You allow yourself to be full of anger, resentment, and even condescending. That does not sound very Christ-like, does it. That does not sound like something a Christain should be walking in or doing. Yet so many of us do. Be like Christ to the people around you, whether they are offensive to you or not. What are YOUR actions and words going to produce in response to that offense? Before you post that screenshot and start “putting someone in their place”, is that post producing love and joy? What about what it will trigger your friends to start doing? Are your actions going to produce peace, patience, and kindness in the comments of your friends? If those fruits of the spirit are not going to be produced, then don’t post it. Don’t say it. Be mindful of how you react to offenses. Make it a point to produce the fruits of the spirit in all aspects of your life! Practice this and you will be absolutely amazed with how your perspective and outlook on the world changes.IG: @thebeautifullyenoughpodcast and @val_reynoldsFB: Valarie ReynoldsMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comSupport the showWork with me // www.valreynolds.comConnect with me // @val_reynoldsCollab with me // [email protected]