Podcast: Download

I’ve seen it suggested taking offence is the new American pastime. I can’t argue that.

The Bible has a lot to say about this and it’s not supportive if you want to make taking offence your new hobby. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile. Proverbs 19:11 says “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (ESV)

The Good

Jesus tells us to care about those who can’t help themselves. The poor, the homeless, the widow, the orphan, and so on. Being offended when we see the least of these being treated wrong is Christlike. Of course, actually doing something to help them is even better.

The Bad

Being easily offended by what others do and say is bad. Yes, there is a time to stand up for yourself, but being too quick to do this is wrong. And not being able to let small things go is also wrong.

The Ugly

Being offended on behalf of others who are not offended or being wronged is ugly. It’s creating a problem that didn’t exist before we stuck our noses into it.

You shouldn’t have to think much to come up with marriage applications for all of the above. The one I want to focus on is being offended by what someone else’s husband or wife did to them. I’ve seen this hurt marriages and destroy friendships. If the situation is abusive, you may need to step in. But if it’s a matter of a friend putting up with something you don’t think she should put up with, you’re being offended on her behalf is asking her to be angry with her husband. That’s a dangerous place to be and most of the time it’s the wrong place to be.

Next time you want to be offended on behalf of someone else, ask yourself if you should perhaps be congratulating them on their wisdom and self-control.

~ Paul – I’m XY, and I’d rather build a fence than take one. <rimshot>

A post worth reading:

the art of non-conformity | Life Lessons from Sylvia Plath ◄ Some excellent lessons indeed

Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly
Shop Amazon ♦ Shop to give links page
We’re donation supported Thanks for your help!
This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosure for info.