by Barbara Latta
The Bible tells us that words have power.
Spoken thoughts can be used for good or harm. Our society has transformed into one in which those who don’t like what you say want voices silenced if words don’t agree
with their philosophy. What is offensive to some is labeled hate speech and
those who disagree say their critics are the ones who should be prosecuted.
Clicking the remote for the TV or booting up your computer
is all that’s necessary to be blasted with someone’s rant or latest offense.
Our ears and eyes can become bombarded with negativity and the constant stream
going into our minds can have a lasting effect if we are not careful to stop
the flow. Even when we think we are not affected, a mood change can be a key we
are letting poison control our emotions.
We have the power to
flip the switches on electronic devices, but we can’t turn off opinions spouted
in our presence whether in the workplace, marketplace or school. Refusing to
become offended is a choice we can make, but the power to make that choice
requires discipline in the Word of God.
Here are 5 ways we can handle the offensive opinions of
others:
- Realize our worth does not come from someone else’s opinion
or actions. Our values come from God not the news media, entertainment industry
or politics. To the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he made us
accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV).
- Anchor our personality in Jesus and take possession of the
inheritance He gave us. We have an inheritance in Christ that is far superior
to anything this world can give. In him we have obtained an inheritance, being
predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to
the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11 NKJV).
- Understand the words are a reflection of the condition of the
heart of a person who probably does not know God. (In this case, I am referring
to those whose words are vile, evil and blasphemous, not merely someone who
differs from us.) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the
life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of
heart (Ephesians 4:18 ESV). For the time
is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears
they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (2
Timothy 4:3 ESV).
- Allowing offense into our life doesn’t change the
situation, but it can change us into an angry and bitter person. Do not take to
heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you for many
times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others
(Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 ESV).
- Don’t take the bait and get into an argument. The vexation
of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16
ESV). Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense
of your words (Proverbs 23:9).
The best defense for offense is found in Philippians 1:1, "being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
When we allow the Word of God to dominate us the atmosphere of anger will not thrive in our sphere of influence. We can't control other people, but we can control our response to them. When we stand strong and avoid being drawn into negativity, we are growing in maturity and spiritual strength.
What's your best scripture for handling offense?
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