FROM THE DESK OF: Elsie Liberis

EASILY OFFENDED; EASILY BROKEN

Do you know of anyone who is easily hurt or offended at the drop of a hat? Is that person a loved one or maybe even you?

* Definition of offended: To hurt or cause pain to. To irritate, annoy, or anger.

Those that are easily offended lead very stressful lives. They in return cause stress to those with whom they cross paths with. These individuals are everywhere; in your home, workplace, places of business, places of worship, and even when you are out driving on the road.

Being easily offended causes arguments, fights, road rage, and even sickness if you don't know how to deal with it properly when it comes your way. It can cause division in relationships and even spark bitterness between individuals. You put two easily offended people together and you definitely have a problem.

I know one young lady who can't get through five minutes without getting offended. Everyone with whom she comes in contact with everyday offends her in some way. Most of it is so trivial. Quite frankly, I feel very sorry for her because she spends each day being hurt and upset and it is causing her undue stress. It hurts her when a total stranger doesn't return her hello's. It hurts her when a person doesn't say thank you. I could go on and on.

Let's face it, the world is made up of all kinds of people. There are many rude people out there, unfortunately, but we cannot allow someone else's rude behavior to affect us in such a negative way. We can't go around changing people, but we can change ourselves.

We are all prone to get offended from time to time. We are not perfect. But, we can educate ourselves by simply understanding that these individuals are that way for a reason. Certainly these individuals have issues, grievances, anger, etc., in their personal lives that need to be dealt with. They have absolutely no clue on how to walk in love. They are sadly being led by the flesh.

I have been truly blessed with the ability to let things go and I am quick to forgive. I don't get offended easily because I see it as the other person's problem and not mine. I come across people everyday whose words and actions can be quite offensive, but I don't let it get the best of me. I know that these people are hurting people; people with issues and personal problems. Instead of snapping back at them I simply return a kind word or just go about my business so as not to escalate the situation. Don't allow these individuals to bully you into a behavior like theirs and forcing you to stoop down to their level. What they are seeking is for you to respond back and it's always best to just walk away.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

As christians we must remember who we are in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind, charity envieth not, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. 5 Doth not behave itself unseemingly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

In closing, I would like to add this little saying I came across. 1 person can make you feel hi. 1 person can make you feel lo. But only u can decide, which way u want to go.

If you have been blessed by my message you may send a love gift in any amount made payable to: Caribbean Fellowship Ministries. I am not a public speaker, but rather a writer. (smile) I am also interested in the welfare of our partners/friends of this mission. This is my way of saying, thank you, for helping our mission and also giving you something back in return.

God bless you all and I will be sending out more personal life enrichment messages in the near future.

In His Love and Service,
Elsie Liberis