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I like to think I’ve learned to be unoffendable, that I quickly dismiss nagging feelings of offense, and take whatever comes with a grain of salt (What does that even mean, anyway?). But in all honesty, I’m vulnerable to other people’s words, especially when perceived as criticism or correction.
What about you? Do you take things personally, often finding fault with others leading to a spirit of offense? Holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom, once said, “Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to fault finding.”
My friends, there is a better way to handle offense without fault-finding or finger pointing. From the assurance of who we are in Christ, the wisdom of His Word, and Holy Spirit guidance, we can learn to be unoffendable and live with unshakable calm.
Here are 3 ways to be unoffendable with God’s help:
Learn to See Others as God Sees Them
The second greatest commandment Jesus mentioned in Matthew 22:39 was, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is easy to quote, but not always easy to live. One way to put it into practice is to learn to see others as God sees them.
I like to picture putting on a pair of “Jesus glasses” and viewing things through His lenses. This helps soften my stance and ease my offense. It also reminds me that my ways are not God’s ways nor are my thoughts His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Having the proper perspective can change everything, and learning to see people as God sees them is a wonderful first step toward unshakable calm.
Learn to Let Things Go
Have you ever heard someone say they will never forgive or forget what’s been done to them? The sad part about this statement is that the original offense (no doubt painful), becomes a burden of unrest carried unnecessarily.
In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Although these words were directed at Israel, reminding them of His power to save, they are precious words for us to live by as well.
Learning to let things go means we forgive again and again—as often as it takes for the burden to be lifted. Admitting to God we need His help to forgive is a way to lighten the load of offense and slip under the yoke of Jesus, the yoke of ease and light.
Imagine the relief of finally letting go, of learning to be unoffendable, and the unshakable calm you’ll feel as you look to God who says, “See, I am doing a new thing!”
Learn to Live in the Fruits of the Spirit
Sometimes, when I feel a spirit of offense rise up, I take a grown-up time out and pray the fruit of the Spirit. I speak them aloud over the situation, asking God to produce them abundantly in my heart and mind.
As mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are without offense. They are quick to dispel knotted-up feelings and rash judgments. They replace seeds of bitterness and resentment. We cultivate this fruit when we allow the hand of God, our loving Gardener, to prune away what doesn’t belong.
Learn to live in the fruit of the Spirit by taking them with you into every situation. Soon, you’ll experience God’s peace and unshakable calm as He helps you step into the spiritual attribute of being unoffendable.
Listen now to the short version of this meditation from Abide based on Galatians 5:22-23. You can find the full-length version on the Abide app.
A Prayer to be Unoffendable
Try this prayer when you being to feel those emotions of offense building up: “Lord, please help me be unoffendable, learning to see others as You see them. I pray for Your Word to shield me from a spirit of offense. Help me let things go as often as possible. Please produce the fruit of Your Spirit in abundance, cultivating my heart to flourish in Your love, joy, and peace. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.”
For more help with learning to be unoffendable, check out the Abide app. Our 1500+ guided meditations all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ and live more like Jesus. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to our entire library of content.
Jennifer Waddle is an author, speaker, and mentor for Christian women and can be found at EncouragementMama.com, a place where discouragement doesn’t win!
