“ they say "don't cross oceans for people who wouldn't cross a puddle for you." nah, do it. cross oceans. love people as Christ does. it's about what you give, not what you gain. “
The Poison of Being Offended
Being offended is like sipping from a cup of poison and expecting the other person to die. It consumes us from the inside, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. When we hold onto offense, it can lead to resentment, anger, and stress, all of which can have detrimental effects on our physical health and relationships.
The Offense Epidemic
In an age where offense can be triggered by a mere social media post or comment, it's crucial to consider the impact this hypersensitivity has on our mental health. Anger and offense sum up the works. They cause us to sabotage what could otherwise be beneficial relationships, hindering our advance toward the goals we set ourselves—to say nothing of the fact that they involve inherently unpleasant emotional states and can damage our health if we persist in them.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a liberating act of self-compassion. It's not about excusing the wrong or letting the offender off the hook; it's about releasing the hold that the offense has on our own lives. Forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves. When we forgive, we set ourselves free from the chains of resentment and anger, allowing room for healing and personal growth.
1 Cor 13:5 “love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs;”
Proverbs 19:11 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”