“Christ is the humility of God embodied in human nature; the eternal love humbling itself, clothing itself in the garb of meekness and gentleness, to win and serve and save us.” Andrew Murray, Humility 

Do you ever get offended? It is hard not to these days with all that is being shouted. So often when I look a bit deeper at what has offended me, I find it has hit a wound that hasn’t quite healed yet. When I am hurt a wall automatically goes up, but I like to call it more of a protective covering. Oh sure I will give people several chances, but after awhile the covering goes around my heart and I stop engaging. What would have happened if Jesus had done the same thing?

As followers of Christ we want to have His heart towards people. I see Him acting in gentleness, compassion, love and strength. Can we do the same? Can we take our hurts to Jesus and let Him heal us? As healed followers we can stop being so offended and start engaging in the cries of hurting people with empathy. Also, when anger is on display there is a wound. Whatever gives some release becomes the megaphone from which they yell. Maybe we can see the hurt behind the shout and not be so easily offended.

In my desire for healing I talked with a wise friend today and confessed my spirit of offense and lack of humility. She knew exactly what I was talking about and helped guide me to truth. Letting go of being so easily offended/hurt felt like a weight removed from my shoulders. It freed me up to love more. What flows out of love is humility, meekness, gentleness and a willingness to serve. You know what’s funny? We were sitting in a coffee shop whose name is Serve. What a perfect place to start!