Have you ever been offended by someone with hurtful words, and you just stood up there, pretending it didn’t hurt? Instead of hurting back that person, you remained calm and quiet? Or do you react aggressively when you get offended?
You got home, and then those words played in your head repeatedly. You started to feel small, and again and again, you look down on yourself. Haven’t they know you are also suffering from some struggles personally. Or you want to get back on them? Wanting to hurt them might be an option.
“Why can’t they be sensitive with their actions and words?” or “Am I too sensitive?” “Why can’t they be nice?” or “Am I a too pushover to them?”
I don’t know. I was hurt, that is all I know.
What to do when you’re offended?
Understand YOUR feelings
Understanding your feelings is the first step, I guess. Admit with yourself that you are hurt. And why do you bother? Are you guilty about what they said? Or, is there any other situation that triggers us to feel that? Did you have particular circumstances that make you offended?
After asking these questions to yourself, try to understanding where you are coming from. Maybe, from past experiences piled up to the current situation that made you offended.
You are hurting. And it’s okay to be. We are human, that is to say. And every once in a while, it is reasonable to feel wounded.
Understand THEIR feelings
Suddenly, a thought of hurting those people back messing with your head. Voices that tell you to get back at them.
“I am hurting. And they should feel the same.”
Hurt people hurt people.
People who have been hurt tend to hurt others, as well. So, instead of doing the same to them, choose to understand. Because the truth is, hurt people hurt people. Who knows what they are going through. So, decide to assume that they are more miserable, perhaps. Let us choose to understand.
Moreover, we can still be okay with someone; even we are hurting ourselves. I find it admiring when people choose to understand instead of hurting back.
After all, God sees everything. And HE will reward your actions accordingly.
Accept Constructive Criticism
When I get offended, usually through words, I get mad. Of course, who wouldn’t? However, I chose silent over quick to speak back. Often, when I get home, I will communicate with my husband and tell him that someone offended me. I tend to react like any other human on this planet — angry!
But my husband analyzes the situation, and if the words that hurt me weren’t that bad, he would remind me to be ready for constructive criticism. Welcome corrections.
He is right, though. Not that he is not siding on me, but sometimes those words or actions will indeed help us to be a better person. I let it go.
Run to His Words
As a Christian, I know that God wants us to love unconditionally and forgive all the time. Therefore, I try my very best to make peace for everyone. It would not be easy peasy, especially if it did hit you hard.
I came up with this insight to help others, too, having a hard time forgetting the offense.
Being offended is a dangerous emotional state. It is a beginning of bitterness to anger, to unforgiving heart, and probably, could become hatred. What do you do not even to let it begin?
God’s word is a lamp to our path. If your goal is to guard your heart, run to His Word. Read His Word if you want to be the best version of yourself. The Bible is a guide for us to live the right way.
I remember when I was hurt by someone, naturally, I got upset. But later on, I realized that the comfort I need is not from the people who hurt me, or wanting them to ask for forgiveness, but His WORD.
Go ahead and soak yourself, your mind, and soul into HIS WORD so there will be no room for anger or anything that destroys your peace.
To read more of God’s word about being offended, you can click the related post below.
Related Post: Bible Verses For When You Get Offended
Prayer
Whenever I feel offended, remind me, God, to understand myself. Help me to look further and to have more patience for the person who hurt me. Guide me as I cling to your Word. May I guard my heart from any impurities. Lastly, help me to forgive the ones who caused me pain. In Jesus name, Amen.
Have a great day, lovely people! Keep safe.
