The conversation about the racial divide in America isn’t about any individual, it’s about our collective society. When we get offended, we turn the discussion into an accusation and make the conversation about ourselves. If we want to be able to see clearly, we must commit to not get offended.
Choosing not to be offended allows us to listen without feeling attacked. It enables us to hear with ears that don’t get stuck on ourselves. It allows us to consider before we respond because we have chosen not to take things as a personal attack so we can better understand each other.
Living offended is like being a tornado. Every comment that comes close we absorb until we become a swirling cone of debris. Once the dirt starts spinning, it’s easier to stay inside, listening to other people who sound just like us, and support our thinking. Tornadoes don’t clean anything up; they destroy and throw dirt, and if we stay inside, we will never see beyond the dust cloud. We will miss being part of a better understanding because we can’t see beyond ourselves.
Choosing not to be offended is counterintuitive. We have to make a conscious choice not to get sucked in.
When the dust cloud is looming, we can choose to remember that God loves all people dearly. Maybe not what they are saying or doing, but He wants to be their God too. Jesus let His offenders pass, and as we do the same, we can reflect Him. We will have a chance to listen, hear, and understand.
Let’s walk together in peace, allowing the swirling dirt to pass. Let’s commit to not be offended.
HLLF,
