When you are offended

 

A friend recently asked me for counsel about a situation in which she was hurt by a family member. 

 In God's sovereignty, I had read this passage from the book The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace, just an hour beforehand! Since I typed it up for her, I wanted to share it with you. It was originally written about being hurt by a husband, but it applies in all situations.

First, you must repent of bitter feelings you feel about him/her (Hebrews 12:15) It is sin to "take in account wrong suffered" (1 Cor 13:5) Confess bitterness and put on kind and forgiving thoughts (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Know that you are showing love to God when you "take every thought captive in obedience to Christ" 2 Cor 10:5. As soon as you start thinking hurt, angry thoughts, STOP in obedience to Christ.

"Whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with them two" Matthew 5:41, go out of your way to be nice to him/her, she doesn't deserve "the extra mile" but do it anyways in obedience to the Lord.

"Do not return evil for evil, but give blessings instead"(1 Peter 3:9)

 
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" Romans 12:21

God wants you to fight back in a "good" way. Eventually your hurt will abate as you bless her, and you will be glorifying God if your motive is to do her good in obedience to the Lord.

If you have not forgiven her you need to repent (Matthew 18:32-35)

However you want people to treat you, so treat them (Matthew 7:12) 

It is never easy to go against y our feelings and go the "second mile", But it is a necessary step in overcoming bitter feelings. God will help you respond righteously to difficult circumstances.