One of the blessings—and sometimes the challenges—of life is that if we live long enough, we’re bound to encounter offenses. Someone might say something untrue, or say something true that we simply don’t like or that rubs us the wrong way. It could be a careless word from someone or a dismissive attitude that sets us off. And when we feel misunderstood or treated insensitively, our reactions can become overwhelming.

Honestly, I believe that being offended itself isn’t the biggest problem. The real challenge is when we hold onto those offenses, refusing to let them go. That’s when we hurt ourselves the most. As believers, we have a divine guide for every area of our lives—including how we handle offenses.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) gives us clear instruction:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Recently, I observed a situation that had been developing over time. An individual received feedback from colleagues regarding their communication style. The feedback highlighted concerns about tone and approach, including comments related to interactions with others.

This is not the first time I have discussed responses and attitudes with this individual. Previously, it was noted that responses to feedback could sometimes be defensive or withdrawn. The individual often maintains their own perspective, which can impact team dynamics.

In response to recent feedback, the individual chose to share their perspective openly. Their intentions appeared to be genuine, and they expressed a willingness to clarify their position. This situation underscores the importance of how perceptions and responses can influence working relationships and the overall team environment.

As believers, we are called to humility and self-examination. Whether we are right or wrong, we should be mindful of how our words and actions impact others. When someone points out an offense, let’s remember Ephesians 4:31-32—get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. Instead, be kind, compassionate, and forgiving—just as Christ forgave us.

If we truly value unity and collaboration, our behaviors must reflect our words. Let’s choose humility, address offenses quickly, and demonstrate Christ’s love through our responses. When we do, we foster environments of healing, growth, and trust—becoming true reflections of His grace.