(UN) Offended

It's so easy to get offended and yet, the bible tells us that it is our glory to overlook an offense. We are told to be patient, slow to anger and forgiving. Offense can lead to resentment and bitterness. It's a hard thing to do because our big feelings get in the way. But it's more important than ever to avoid distraction. The book of Matthew tells us that "Many will be offended and will begin to distrust and desert him whom they ought to obey and they will stumble and fall away." We can get tripped up over the smallest things that cause us to stumble and fall. We get ensnared in our feelings, our confusion and in our own mess. But we can choose to be (un)offended, to live in the grace and mercy extended to us by our savior. We can live free of anger, resentment and bitterness. Let's come gather and support one another to live lives free of offense and filled with joy.