Originally published Monday, 11 May 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you ever been offended by someone? You’re probably thinking, “Okay Courtnaye, is that a trick question?’ LOL! I know…I know…but I have to ask. Trust me, if you haven’t been offended yet, this post will help you when the time does comes. However, for those who have been through it or are going through it right now, I want to warn you to watch your offenses!
I get it! People will say things and do things that can actually hurt, cut like a knife, and make your head spin in anger and frustration. It happens. I know. But when it does, I want to tell you that the ball has just rolled into your court. And guess what? The spotlight is on you! So…what are you doing to do…Christian woman?
You could let them have a piece of your mind, or argue back and forth with them, hate on them, don’t talk, withhold love and affection, backbite, slander them, act mean, or entertain negative thoughts in your mind about them. But what good will that actually do? Essentially, if you’re a woman of conviction, it will only cause you to feel condemnation, low, and frustrated with the fact that you didn’t respond properly. And on the biblical side, it’s none other than giving into sin.
Don’t give the enemy access! Fight to press through the offense. Proverbs 12:16 says, “A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” (NLT) So don’t be a fool, sis. Instead, be wise and stay calm. Don’t let people get the best of you. YOU…be the bigger person. YOU…forgive. YOU…respond like a Christian. I know it’s not easy, but with Christ...we can do this!
Also, prepare yourself before offense strikes. Be proactive, and not reactive. Read the Scriptures and books on how to deal with overcoming offenses (like John Bevere’s book entitled, “The Bait of Satan: Your Response Determines Your Future”). This will help you to respond properly (like Christ) when it happens.
And I will never stop telling you, “Go talk to God about it.” I do it all the time. I had an experience where someone told me what another person said about me that could’ve been offensive. What did I do? I talked to God about it. And I was as real as I could be about the situation with my Father. I also forgave the person and prayed for the individual and moved on. I chose to watch my offense. I was not going to allow it to weigh me down and affect what God was doing in my life. I didn’t give into the bait.
Remember…this Christian walk is about walking with God. It’s about a relationship. So tell Him what goes on in your life. When life hurts or people do things that offend you, talk to your Father about it. He’s really the only One who can fix it completely. If the person is doing wrong or being mean, let God handle it. Romans 12:19 says, “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord.” And verse 21 says, “Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (NLT) Give it to God. He’ll take care of it and show you what to do in response to it.
Listen. Offenses are going to come, but that’s when you have to make a conscious decision that you’re not going to allow it to stunt your progress or love walk. It’s so easy to love those who are kind and loveable. Yet, Jesus calls us to love the un-loveable, show mercy, and forgive those who trespass against us. He said, “If you love only those who love you, what good is that?” (Matthew 5:46) So learn to shake it off and take heed to the warning of what John Bevere’s subtitle says, “Your response determines your future.” Watch your offenses!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
***SAVE THE DATE! Join me for “Let’s Talk” on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 @ 8:30pm (CST)! It's FREE and entitled, "Controlling Your Emotions." Stay tuned for this one, because as women doing anything for the Kingdom or even in the world that we live in, we need to be able to control our emotions. The call # is (218) 936-3436, Code: 12345. God bless you ladies! And talk to you soon!
Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I’ll get back with you promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
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