Take No Offense

I have come to the conclusion that people in general are too easily offended. If someone looks at you a certain way, they must have an attitude. If they didn’t greet you a certain way, they have a problem with you. If they don’t do something exactly the way you expected them to, they must not care about you. Why do we put ourselves through this?

The energy we expend while being upset over what we think somebody meant by their actions is energy that could be better used to improve the quality of our relationships.

If you love someone, trust them. If you don’t “love” them, why do their actions affect you? Either way, let it go. Most of the time when you let these things go, you find out that you were worried about nothing. However, if you choose to get upset and make a big deal over what you feel is an offense, you may damage an otherwise healthy and loving relationship.

It is important to remember that the world does not revolve around us. We think the actions of others automatically have something to do with us, or that our friends and family should consult with us before they live their life. Not so. I am striving to be consistent with my love for the people in my life and simply trust and believe in their love for me. Not only am I freeing them from my expectations, I am freeing myself to simply be happy.

Proverbs 17:9 (New International Version)

He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.