I am amazed at the strong emotions that have run through me when someone did something that hurt my feeling, damaged my ego, or lowered my self esteem. The first thing that you want to do is retaliate. You want them to feel the same hurt and belittling that you felt. It is a natural reaction and feeling to being hurt. It is just not the reaction and feeling that God wants us to have. We are encouraged to forgive offenses quickly and get over them. When we do this, it shows our maturity. (Proverbs 19:11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.) The word for offense comes from the Greek word that describes the part of the trap that held the bait to lure animals in. Being offended is a trap Satan uses to pull us away from God, the Church, and Godly guidelines for our lives. God wants us to overcome offense so that it doesn’t grow into bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Overcoming hurt by others is your choice. You may want an apology, revenge, or a get even opportunity, but you need to choose to pray for, forgive, and a move-on attitude. Forgive them for the offense even if they don’t ask for it. Don’t get trapped into holding a grudge in your heart. Get free of offenses by forgiving others quickly and don’t let that root of bitterness have a foothold in your heart. It is not the easiest choice to make, but, it is one of the wisest choices you will ever make. Pastor Don [image: image.png]