Offending and being offended: The enemies of unconditional love

We live in a world of offending and being offended. The Bible calls us to be loving, slow to anger, quick to forgive, and full of grace. Understand that the world is lost. The world wars against itself and God — do not be tempted to join in.

Even when people seem to hate you, the church, or God, remember that Christ endured the cross and begged God to forgive those that crucified him as he hung there dying. We are called to go against human nature, to be humble, and to set down our ego, preferences, and pride in trade for love of those who God created.

God loves each and every one of us, however, none of us is perfect. Learn to love everyone as God does, learn to see through their imperfections, and through this, shine a bright light in this lost and dying world. In this time of the world’s history, this unconditional love of others is nearly missing– let’s bring it back and show the world who God really is.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
— Proverbs 19:11

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
— Matthew 5:38-40

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
— Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
— Matthew 7:1

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
— James 1:9

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
— Matthew 24:10-12

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
— Matthew 5:23-24

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
— Matthew 5:11-12

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
— John 13:34-35