We believers don’t really like to admit it, but we get offended. In fact, I think we get offended more often than we would like, or than we even realize. Jesus gave us clear instructions on how to deal with our offenses, which we usually ignore. Why is this? Why is so much of our culture all about being offended these days? And, what can we do about it?
Life group discussion questions below!
Her Facebook post was foolish.
Childish thinking. Short-sighted. I think she meant well, but this church person was posting her reactive emotions to a particular issue, rather than thinking it through and approaching the topic from a Biblical perspective. I believe it was, in fact, the opposite of what Jesus would say.
It rubbed me the wrong way. I wanted to post back and show her how she should think about this situation. I wanted to set her straight.
As I was composing my response in my head, I realized… I rarely post on Facebook, and here I am about to weigh in on someone’s opinion on a pretty insignificant issue. I would likely hurt her feelings, and possibly make an enemy. Over practically nothing.
Yep… I get offended way too easily.
Offense seems to be so pervasive in our society right now, doesn’t it? Isn’t that what Jesus predicted?
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
-Jesus, Matthew 24:10-13
What kinds of things cause you to be offended?
How do we “betray” each other?
Usually, once we are “offended,” we act out towards the offender. We “betray” them. And the thing is, we can justify our wrong actions toward them. Why is that?
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:3-4
Do you know the story of Joseph? (The Old Testament Joseph.. Not the New Testament one.) Can you remember what Joseph’s older brothers did to him after he received the coat of many colors?
As a result of his brothers’ actions, Joseph ended up spending years as a slave, and years in prison. Isn’t that a good reason to be offended?
Finally, many many years later, Joseph came face-to-face with his brothers. This time, he had the authority to enact sweet revenge on them, had he desired. Instead, he embraced them, provided food for them, and made a place for them in Egypt.
How could he do this? Joseph shares his reasoning:
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
-Genesis 50:19-20
Joseph, who had suffered greatly because of his brothers, did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Yet, he was able to forgive their offense. How much more should we be able to forgive when someone hurts us today?
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
-Philippians 2:13