When Offended

Daily Reading: Matthew 15

Scripture Focus: The Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying. (Matthew 15.12)

Devotional Thought: Several years ago, I remember going to a free health screening for pastors.  I had recently lost five pounds.  Though I was proud of myself, the screener was not impressed.  I vividly recall hearing the word “obese” in our conversation.  How dare she use that word about me?  I was offended.  I don't think she cared.  I’m glad.  I decided in that moment that I would pay attention.  I lost 15 more pounds.

Sometimes, we need to hear things that offend us, don’t we?  It’s not pleasant, and often we want to “shoot the messenger.”  But, it is good for us to know the truth, isn’t it?

In Matthew 15, Jesus offended the Pharisees - twice!  Once when he allowed his disciples to eat with “unwashed hands”, and again when he told the Pharisees that they needed to worry about themselves and stop judging others! 

When the truth stings, what is your reaction?  Do you look for ways to shift the focus away from yourself and onto the truth-teller?  Do you discount the message and say that the messenger doesn’t really know what he’s talking about?  Do you offer excuses instead of looking for solutions?  The Spirit of God is the most honest Truth-Teller that there is.  And, he is always telling us what we need to hear.  He does that through the Word of God, through the advice of Christian brothers and sisters, through the instruction of pastors and teachers – even through our husbands and wives!  Often, we hear a “still small voice” that tells us to consider our ways. 

So, the next time you get offended be thankful!  Don’t get defensive; rather pay attention to what the Spirit is telling you in that moment.

Prayer: Lord, when others offend me, help me to consider what you might be saying to me.  Help me not to excuse myself, but rather to examine myself in the light of your truth.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 86.1-10

1 Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you--you are my God.

3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.

4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.

7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me.

8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.

9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name.

10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.