What are the things that easily offend us? Why are we easily offended by these things?
Offense, as translated in Latin is offensa, means " to strike against, cause displeasure and injury." Offense in this context connotes intent or motive to hurt other people. But more often than not, people, especially those we hold dearest in our hearts, are unaware that they have offended us. Whatever it is, intentional or unintentional, offense, as always, cause an insurmountable displeasure and injury , physically, mentally and emotionally. It is not uncommon for a tiny offense to have caused a lot: bitterness, envy, resentment and vindictiveness.
Words and actions.
Silence and inaction.
People.
Circumstances.
Everything in this world seems to offend us and cause us to retaliate and defend ourselves. How should we react when we are offended? I have been offended a lot and I admit that I can easily be offended. I think the reason that I am offended is because I am proud that I will no longer benefit from my relationship with the person who has offended me. I am proud and pretended to be strong that I wasn't offended in the first place. Not until I realize that the offense has conceived a crater of hatred and bitterness against that person.
Offense, in Greek, is skandalon. Skandalon is a piece of wood that traps animals. Figuratively, offense is something that traps us. When we allow ourselves to be caught up in tiny offenses, we are trapped and lifeless to move on. We create our own prison cells and we hold the key to our own freedom: self-denial. It is hard to humble ourselves and to acknowledge the fact that we are offended. We should stop inflicting wounds to our own hearts.When we are hurting so much inside then it is logical to say, that the hurting should stop.
Tomorrow and the days thereafter, I am sure that I will need this reminder.
