10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend: RISE UP

We have all been there.
We have all done it.
We all have that "mommy-bear" that can rare up, unexpected and unwelcome.  Getting offended can truly be just as painful to any by-standard close by, and just as hurtful as the offense.

The root issue?  I take offense to what you did, said, or implied.  

Is it right? No.  Do I know it's not?  Probably.  Yet, there it is.  I am offended!  Now what?

RISE UP!

10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend:

1.  Get Accountability!  If getting easily offended tends to be an area of struggle for you, get yourself an accountability partner.  A friend.  An elder. A lady at church.  Your spouse.  Chat it out with someone who will not allow you to take it to a sinful, negative place.  Do not confide in an individual that will allow you to gossip, or that will enable you to stay in this negative life pattern.

2.  Stop Taking It Personal.  It is totally feasible that whatever it is that is offending you is not about you, intended for you, nor directed at you.  There, I  said it, don't take offense. ;)

3.  Walk A Mile In The Other Person's Shoes (or, Socks!).  People are people.  Always have been, always will be.  They will sin, make mistakes, have bad days, suffer tragedy and lash out.  Again, it is probably not about you.  Give grace.  Give a hug.  Say a prayer.  Write a letter.  Now, move on.

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4.  Forgive Immediately, Then When You Remember, Forgive Again! and Again! and Again!  Jesus did not ask us to forgive.  He commanded it.  Period.

Mark 11:25 - 26

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Luke 6:37

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Luke 17:4

"And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

5.  Stop Taking People Literally.  Face the fact that people, in general, myself included, are sarcastic in today's society.  There lives literally revolve around themselves.  They don't mean to be short, brash, blunt or rude . . . they just are.  This is the perfect opportunity to practice grace.

6.  Choose Joy.   A close friend of mine and I were discussing this, in-depth, just last week.  Choosing joy and choosing NOT to be offended is just as valid a choice as anger, resentment, offense, or un-forgiveness.  The later are quick, fleshly responses we gravitate toward easily. (I'm wincing at my own statement there)  The joy and not-being-easy-to-offend choices are fruit of the Spirit and require a faithful effort on your's and mine conscientiousness. 

PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

7.  Give Yourself Some Grace.  Look, we are going to mess-up . . . me especially.  Give yourself some growing room to begin "turning the other cheek" and don't be surprised when you fall short.  Be a big girl, suck-it-up (my dad's favorite advice), and keep moving.

8.  Go Prayer Walking!  Get in the habit at the end of the day, or anytime that is best for your schedule, to hit the sidewalk.  Walking, praying and shedding your day's frustrations is therapeutic to your body, mind and spirit.

9.  Give A Reward to Yourself!  When you have gone God's way and have truly chosen to not be offended in a big situation, just give Him glory and do something good for you.

     

Okay, okay . . . maybe you would pick a different reward for yourself.  That's cool.  This is obviously what I would pick if I had my choice!

You don't have to be extravagant in rewarding yourself either.  In fact, it would be better to keep it sweet and simple.  Examples:  Give yourself extra time reading, napping, or in the bubble bath.

10.  Give it to God!  Lay these anxieties at the cross of Jesus Christ and leave them there . . . P.S.  That includes not picking them back up again tomorrow.

I know this can be a tough issue for many, and truly, what one of us has not been there?  I am praying that the LORD would give you peace and His strength to help you (and I) lay this one down, so we can Rise Up in His greater service.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

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HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

• How to Overcome the Mommy Blahs: RISE UP series
• 10 Ways to Bless a Homeschool Mom: RISE UP series
• Rise Up and Meet the Road: {Weekend Reflecting}