I Am Offended

What is the most heard expression in our world today? I would suggest it would be “I am offended” or an offshoot of that phrase. Now, before people get offended by this article, I am not saying that people’s personal viewpoints and beliefs are not important but some of the presumed offenses are getting to be a bit much. There are challenges being made to people’s beliefs because of personal preferences and the standard response seems to be “I am offended by…” A few years ago, I had a conversation with a person of another religious organization with regards to prayer in school. The comment I made concerned how some groups are not only allowed prayer in school but a special place is set aside for them. The assumption was I was trying to get the prayer room shut down but rather I was fighting for the right to have the same option available to the Christian children. It was not fighting against their faith but rather asking for consideration and equality. There is a ton of room for all to find common ground rather than go straight to “I’m Offended”. Can I throw this out there? If we take the time to build relationships with our neighbours, respect the stance of the other person and seek out the common ground to build community on, would this not help us to love and respect our neighbour and avoid many of the confrontations that are so prevalent today?

Jesus showed us the way. Rather than confront His objectors with “I’m offended” or start a big fight, Jesus gave us examples of what could be in the parables and got the objectors to answer their own accusations through common sense. Consider the example from John 8:1-11. In verse 4 the Pharisee demanded action and an answer so they could be offended and have an excuse to imprison Jesus. Instead of getting all up in their faces, which He could have easily done because He is God, Jesus got them to examine their own position and gave them the opportunity to adjust their thinking in a peaceable manner. He wrote in the sand, no one knows what, and it touched them all deeply so much so that they all walked away.

“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 NLT

Too many in this world are looking for a reason to be offended, Christians included. It takes a bit more effort to seek out common ground and to work with others to find that peaceful and long-lasting solution but the results are well worth the extra effort. It all starts with each one of us.

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See you all Sunday.

Blessings
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca