GET OFF THE FENCE!

An acquaintance of mine often calls to complain to me that she's been OFFENDED.  Somebody's hurt her feelings by something they've said to her, and she can't get over it!  It's as though she's STUCK on a FENCE!

She dwells on the offense...she sulks over it, magnifies it, and replays it over-and-over in her mind (like a broken record).  What usually OFFENDS her is a careless statement, a simple comment, or a difference of opinion...but she takes it personally.  She expects everybody to agree with her, think like her, and believe like her.  And--when they don't, she's OFFENDED!  She wants "cookie-cutter companions" and "bobble-headed buddies" who will always march in line to her tune.

When anyone rejects or opposes her ideas or opinions, she personally feels ATTACKED!  Then her defense system is activated...resentment and anger builds up until she blows up.  She separates herself from the offender and starts slinging slander and unkind comments--expecting others to "take her side."  She won't forgive the one who offended her--and she won't go and talk to the offender.  She starts a war in her heart and can find no peace.

She'll remain STUCK on the OFFENSE (stuck on the fence) until she forgives the offender.  When she does, God will forgive her and remove her from where she's stuck. Then He will show her how to walk past the offense and enter His gates with praise and thanksgiving.  Then, and only then, will she find peace for her soul.

Lord, please forgive us our offenses as we forgive those who have offended us.  Restore unto each of us a right relationship 1st with You so that we might be able to mend broken fences and remove that which separates us from a broken relationship with others. 

[Read:  Matthew 6:9-15]