Offended

For quite a number of years, there has been a major fracture in the relationship between a close family member and me.  In the midst of grief, we said many sad and hurtful things.  As a believer I failed to be like Christ on many levels.  And while I could justify my behavior in every way, the truth is I was wrong.

You see, it doesn't matter what was done to me.  My model is Christ.  He stood before his accusers and remained silent....not just to fulfill scripture but because it is what the Father asked him to do.  God's ways are higher than my ways.  (Isaiah 55:8)  He is asking me to trust him because he works all things together for good because I love him. (Romans 8:28)  God has made it clear to me that I am to stop reacting to the offense and start responding to my offender with love.

So the choice before me is to remain offended or I can work at reconciliation.  I can allow myself to grow bitter and angry or I can let the peace of Christ rule in my heart.   I can go around justifying myself or trust God with my reputation.

I will not be easily offended because I am not defined by anyone's opinion of me.  I am defined by who God says I am.  His word says in Ephesians 1: 3-7 that I am blessed, chosen, holy and loved, adopted as His, shed with grace and redeemed.  I can rest in The Lord because He is my Rock and my Salvation, whom shall I fear?  He is the Stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) 

So, in light of that knowledge, how am I supposed to act?  I am to Love The Lord my God with all my heart and Love my neighbor as myself.  God's definition of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13.

I don't think it is our job to restore relationships.  Only God can do that.  Our job is to love....by being patient and kind, by not being envious or boastful or proud, by not dishonoring others but seeking what is best for others, by not getting angry easily or keeping a record, by rejoicing in the truth not delighting in evil, and also to protect and trust others and to hope for and persevere with others.

I am to "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God."  (Micah 6:8) Mercy is:  not giving my offender what they deserve.  Loving mercy, however, goes a step further by also giving the offender what they don't deserve: grace and forgiveness.  Walking humbly means not demanding my own way but rather giving up my right to be right.  These are my directives from on High.

As I'm typing this I realize that I am more prone to protecting myself than my offender.  What about you? What will you allow God to change in you?  Father God, I pray you will give me courage and strength to protect those who offend me.  Give me eyes to see them in the light of your love.  In Jesus' name, Amen!