So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you… Matthew 7:12 NIV

When someone says or does something that offends us, it’s hard to not let our flesh take over and react based upon our feelings rather than what we know to be true.  It’s hard not to say or do something negative in an attempt to hurt them the way they hurt us.  

It’s almost as if it’s natural to automatically wrongly judge one’s motives and heart when they do something that hurts or offends us.  I have caught myself thinking things like, “They must not be walking with God.” or “What kind of Christians do they think they are?”.

Scripture tells us that we need to do to others what we would have them do to us.  

If I am having a bad day and I say or do something that hurts or offends someone, that doesn’t necessarily mean I meant for it to come across that way or be perceived in that manner.  When someone says or does something that offends me, I need to consider what could be going on to make them say or do what they did.  It’s not my position to wrongly judge them or look down upon them because of what they said or did.  It could be the only way they know how to relate.  

As hard as it can be at times, it’s our job to love people just as Jesus did, which means we are to treat them that way.  It won’t always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it and it’s the right thing to do.

Think about ways you can respond in a positive manner the next time someone offends you.  

Dear Lord, thank You for Your love and forgiveness.  Help us to respond differently when someone offends or hurts us.  Help us to not judge negatively, but rather love and have compassion for our offender.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.