How easily are you offended? Do people have to walk on eggshells around you? If so, you are not alone. In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to state any opinion without offending someone. If you watch an old TV program, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “He or she could get into big trouble for saying that in today’s world!” We find ourselves living in a state of hypersensitivity.

Jesus understood that taking offense would, at times, be unavoidable. He told His disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come” (Luke 17:1 NKJV). We need to be careful, in as much as possible, to avoid offending others.

Are we, in turn, ever justified in taking offense? Proverbs 19:11 (NLT) says, “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” We are to follow the example set by our Lord, Jesus. He had the same opportunities if not more, to be offended. Yet, He always chose to forgive. Even as He hung on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive those who put Him there. Like Jesus, we need to resist the urge to take offense.