Offense

What causes offense? Is it the moral failures and insults of others, or is it our reaction to them? It is true that there are certain things society has deemed offensive, but that changes from one culture to the next. For example, what is offensive in the United States may be socially acceptable in Russia, and vice versa. Judging one culture to be morally superior to the other is like comparing apples to oranges, so there is no point in trying to determine who is right or wrong. That same principle applies to personal offense. When I am offended, confronting the other person should not be my first response. Rather, I should use the opportunity to confront myself which will likely uncover some character defect, insecurity, or weakness. Doing so transforms every offense into a blessing. Identifying why I am offended allows me to surrender the character defect, insecurity, or weakness to Christ. If the problem is a character defect (such as pride), I have an opportunity for self-denial; if weakness, for the Lord to be my strength; and if insecurity, for the Lord to be my shelter.

Every insult and moral injury is an opportunity to broaden our understanding of freedom in Christ by allowing it to remove impurity. The offensive actions of others become the vessels of purification that the Holy Spirit uses to transform us into the image of Christ. Let us always remember that Christ suffered moral injury and insult and never defended Himself. In Him, we are called to demonstrate that same patient endurance. With humility and grace, let’s turn the other cheek, be transformed, and pray for others when they cause offense.

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