It's not hard to get offended. In fact, it's easy. The flesh indulges in the "right" to get back at someone for what they've done toward you. It's easy to let our minds traipse down the road of "I'm gonna get you sucka." The flesh wants to feel gratified - satisfied - glorified. And, therefore, if left to its own means, it will do everything to achieve these things.
It's easy.
But there is another way of handling a situation that is not so easy. There is a way that will bring about peace and joy; a way that will comfort your heart, even as you may feel offended. It's called prayer.
Sometimes, it's not so easy to lift up a sincere prayer for the person that called you out of your name. Why? Because your flesh wants to call them a name back.
Sometimes, it's not so easy to smile when you know that person just lied to your face, or lied on you to someone else. No, the flesh wants to let that person know that you know. You might as well say "amen." The flesh wants to read that person the "right" act. But, that's when we must remember that there is another way.
Sometimes, it's not so easy to encourage somebody when all that person wants to do is to discourage you. Your flesh may want to tear them down, while they are down. But, oh my Christian sibling, there is another way.
What other way? Prayer.
Prayer can make the difference. Prayer can change things. Prayer makes us forget about ourselves and concentrate on God. And, when we are fully focused on God, there is no need to focus on revenge, or telling somebody off etc etc. Keep the piece of your mind that you were willing to give away. Pray for that person instead.
A funny thing happens when we pray too. We leave better than when we came. We are refreshed because we know that it is because of the Lord that we are able to see things with such a fresh perspective. We leave knowing that there is no need to worry about the ill deeds of the other person - God says vengeance is His and He will repay. And, I don't know about you, but just knowing that my God has gotten everything under control makes me feel "A. Okay."
So, don't be so easily offended. Shake it off and if you find yourself in trouble, go to the only One that can help you. Take your issue to the Lord in prayer. He is faithful enough to meet you, help and assist you. Don't give in to the flesh, submit yourself to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
God bless you. Have a great weekend!
