But, can we learn to recognize our response, identify the real offense and then quickly forgive? I think so. And our relationships will be healthier for it.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
*Recognize the evil spirit behind the offense. Satan wants to destroy you and your relationships. Be aware of how badly he wants you to take things personally.
*Know that it is unusual for someone to calculate and purposefully hurt another person. It does happen. But, usually it is not intentional.
*Don't trust your feelings. Even though we can't help our feelings, we can take the necessary steps to prevent those feelings from fueling our emotions. (The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? -Jer. 17:9)
*Be quick to bottom-line your offense. Don't attach it to past circumstances, other feelings of rejection, or blow it out of proportion.
*Wait to speak about your offense until you've had time to sort it out. You don't want to say something you regret.
*Quickly forgive offenses. Otherwise you'll be dealing with a much larger issue: bitterness. (Prov. 17:9; Prov. 19:11)
What are your thoughts on overcoming offenses?
Robin
I try to remember that I'm capable of doing all sorts of bad things, too. Helps me be less judgmental of others.
ReplyDeleteI ask God to help me see the person as He sees them.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure. I am struggling with an offense right now and am trying to cycle through it. I need to remind myself that intentions are almost always good and that people mean well. I have talked it through with someone I can trust and am trying to see the other side, but I am still hurt. Prayer is helping.
ReplyDeletelove love love love no matter what. And not a half-***ed love. Full on, wholehearted love.
ReplyDeleteSooo much easier said than done.
For me when getting over being hurt...I have recently learned that God is able to take the blunt of it and gives me just enough to learn from it. I have been relying of God more and more each day. With my current hurt....I looked up into the sky and said God, I know you have a plan for me and even though I do not like what is happening to me right now....in the future I will be a better person. Each day I get stronger and stronger.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to forgiving someone...it depends on what they have done to me. Growing up I have had many things happen to me and it took some time but I have forgiven them. I will say when it comes to my ex husband and my mom...I am still working on those. As in the past...I feel that with time I will be able to forgive!
The biggest thing for me, is realizing to not take things personally.
ReplyDeleteGuess I should have read this earlier...
ReplyDeleteyou are so wise...i need to remeber those things.
ReplyDeleteas for me getting over hurt feelings is i have to pray and talk to the other person - especially if it my hubby- and then keep talking b/c i will usually get stay quite - and after a while it gets hard if you live with someone.
thanks for the advice - love ya - see ya tonight YEAH!!