with Peter Banzon
Q: My friends think I’m cool, but the truth is I easily get offended by what they might do or say. How do I deal with this feeling?
A: Being easily offended is a difficult problem. You may be overly sensitive and regard many things as offensive. When people offend you and it remains unresolved, each new offense digs deeper into your soul and may make you bitter. Bitterness is something you must never allow to take root in your life.
The Bible says in Mark 11:25, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him. What another person says may be completely innocent and unintentional. Since you are easily offended, first, examine if an actual offense was committed against you. Be prepared to let the offense go. Surrender that hurt feeling to God. Forgive as God has forgiven you.
Second, if people offend you, lovingly go to them and tell them how they offended you. Instead of waiting for them to go to you (they may not be aware that they offended you), you make the first move. Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Doing this tells them you value them. You don’t want anything to come between you and them. You don’t want to embarrass them by involving another person. This is between you and them. You may be misunderstood, but doing the right thing has positive long term effects.
