Responding to a Culture of Offense
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” — Proverbs 19:11
We live in a time where it feels like everyone is ready to take offense. Social media posts, political conversations, family gatherings—even church meetings—can quickly turn into minefields of misunderstanding and hurt feelings.
Offense has become not just a reaction, but a way of life. And as Christians, we have a choice: will we mirror the outrage around us, or will we respond with the grace and wisdom that Jesus modeled?
Why Offense Spreads So Easily
Offense thrives on three things:
Pride — “I deserve better than this.”
Assumption — “I know what they meant.”
Amplification — Sharing the hurt with others instead of addressing it with the person directly.
Left unchecked, offense hardens our hearts, damages relationships, and divides the body of Christ.
The Way of Jesus
Jesus had every right to take offense—He was mocked, misunderstood, betrayed, and falsely accused. Yet His mission wasn’t to defend His pride but to fulfill His Father’s will.
1 Peter 2:23 says: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
The path of Jesus is the path of humility and trust in God’s justice.
Practical Steps to Living Unoffended
Pause Before Reacting
Pray first. Ask: Is this worth my peace and my witness?Assume the Best
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Misunderstandings are often just that—misunderstandings.Address Privately, Not Publicly
Follow Matthew 18:15—go directly to the person rather than venting to others.Release It to God
Sometimes the offense is real but can’t be fixed right now. Choosing to forgive keeps your heart free.
The Freedom of Overlooking Offense
Overlooking an offense isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. It’s choosing to value unity over ego, peace over the need to be right. And it’s one of the clearest ways to reflect Christ to a watching world.
Walk It Out
This week, when you feel offended, stop and ask: What’s the most Christlike response I can give here? Write down what happens when you choose grace over retaliation.
Love in Action
Think of someone you’ve been holding an offense against. Pray for them by name and, if possible, reach out with kindness—a text, a note, or even a coffee invitation. Let love be louder than the offense.
