Not Easily Offended

Bible in a Year :

Deuteronomy 1-2
Mark 10:1-31

Sensible people . . . earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Proverbs 19:11 nlt

Today’s Scripture & Insight :Proverbs 19:8-13

When I entered my church after several months of quarantine, I was excited to see members I hadn’t seen in a while. I realized that some members, especially older ones, just wouldn’t be back—some due to safety reasons and others, unfortunately, because they’d passed from this life. So I was quite excited when I spotted an older couple coming into the sanctuary and taking their normal seat behind me. I waved at them both. The man returned my greeting, while his wife stared at me without even smiling. I was hurt and wondered why.

It was a few Sundays later that I observed the same woman (who hadn’t returned my greeting) being helped by a friend who was showing her when to stand or sit—acting as her caregiver. My old church friend was apparently very sick and hadn’t recognized me. I’m glad I didn’t approach her or even get upset when she didn’t return my enthusiastic greeting.

Proverbs offers a lot of advice for living wisely, and not being easily offended is one of its gems. In fact, it says “sensible people . . . earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (19:11 nlt). Choosing not to get offended and learning to “control [our] temper” (v. 11 nlt) can bring us honor. It may require patience and “wisdom” (v. 8), but the rewards also are well worth getting over ourselves and choosing to love others.

By: Katara Patton

Reflect & Pray

When were you offended by someone’s actions? When is it the right thing to overlook an offense?

God of mercy, thank You for overlooking the times I’ve offended You. Please give me the wisdom to do the same for others

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