… in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8, NASB)
Somebody did something that you find offensive. Or something someone said moves you to speak to them. In either case, when you approach somebody about anything, do so with a gentle and humble spirit instead of being harsh and mean. Do it in the spirit of meekness.
Do not assume you have all the facts because you do not. So, how you approach them regarding this matter can make the difference between encouraging or discouraging them. Despite how often the Pharisees, Sadducees, or the Priests spoke to Jesus about their concerns on how He responded to the law, Christ never dishonored God. Though He knew they had an ulterior motive, He always approached them with respect for who they were. He always spoke the truth in love.
Granted, some of those truths made them angry with Christ, however, they always left His presence enlightened and more knowledgeable than before. They could refute nothing He said, though they intended to trap Him in what He said. They aimed to use His explanation to file charges against Him. (Matthew 12:1-14; Luke 14:1-5, AMP).
Instead of approaching somebody with a harsh attitude, Beloved, come with a gentle and humble spirit. Follow Jesus’ example and do not take everything personally. He knew their heart, and despite that, he was never rude. (Colossian 3:12). We should hold people accountable for their actions, but our attitude and approach matter. Likewise, we need to act when we see someone doing something that causes harm to others. How we handle this is as important as what we say to them.
Consider these 5 steps:
1. Do not act in haste. Take a moment to breathe before you do anything. Think before you act.
2. Pray and ask God to guide you. He knows what you do not!
3. Think about how you would want anybody to approach you and be sensitive to your response to their actions.
4. It is not only what you say or do, but how you say or do something.
5. Make sure they leave your presence enlightened. It is acceptable if your words and actions offend them because you spoke the truth in love and were kind. So, do not allow their response to offend you, nor take their actions personally.
Beloved, always handle any offensives with dignity because it is the right thing to do. Our actions do not only affect others, but they say much about who we are. Think before you act because one wrong action can change your life forever. Likewise, it will leave a lasting impression on others.
I pray the song, The First Church of Mercy by The Sound, stirs your heart and help you feel the grace of God.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Why shouldn’t we take offensives personally? What was the worst experience you have ever had when you acted before thinking the situation through? Let’s talk about handing an offense the right way. Share in the comments below.
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