“That was
just my opinion.” “I was just joking.” “If that offends you, build a bridge and
get over it.” “You are over sensitive.”
Oh, how we
try to justify being offensive. I know that I can offend people without trying.
I don’t know what will offend sometimes. Yet, like all of us, I can be
offensive and offend everyone I meet. I can say things that will offend. If I
know a person, I know what will push their button.
I can also
be pleasant and non-offensive, especially if I know someone. Much of being
pleasant comes from one’s personality – and also maturity. A grown-up has
learned the hard way that being offensive makes life more difficult for
himself/herself.
Here is my
paraphrase of today’s verse: “Because we all offend in many areas. Yet if one
is not offensive in his speech, he is a grown-up and able to control all of his
body.”
It comes
down to this: I can be offensive if I want to be. I can be kind and considerate,
as well. Sometimes I can offend and if it is over something silly, I can
apologize. If it is about standing with God and the Bible, then I need to
stand. I may offend, but I don’t have to be offensive.
“For in many things we offend all. If
any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle
the whole body.” James 3:2.
© copyright
2016 Kevin T Boekhoff
https://tugsandnudges.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/offending-without-trying/
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