it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11, NIV
It is not always easy to “overlook an offense.” Our natural inclination (at least for me) is to either say something or withdraw. Frequently, relationships are strained or broken because of offenses. Through observation, however, I am learning the benefits of overlooking offenses.
Let me hasten to say that some offenses CANNOT be overlooked…abuse, sexual or racial attacks, bullying etc. These issues must be addressed head on and must not be tolerated.
But there are other offenses that we should learn to move past and work through. I am always impressed to take note of individuals who have learned the delicate art of moving beyond an offence to work with others to accomplish good.
For example, people with opposing political views coming together to work on a community project to help many… acquaintances who just “rub one another the wrong way,” putting aside their differences to share their expertise to help educate or inform others…pastors and leaders who don’t ordinarily “run in the same circles” or who have different approaches to addressing issues, coming together on one particular thing to help advance a cause.
Can you overlook an offense in order to reach a higher goal, address a pressing issue, attend to a major problem? Can you push past your offense in order to make a greater impact for good? How adept are you, through prayer, patience and discernment at “picking your battles?”
May we pray for the wisdom and discernment to address those issues that need addressing and overlook those issues that get in the way of our doing common good.
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
No comments:
Post a Comment