The One Where We Offend Everyone

Courtney and Melissa discuss why Christians should not be quick to take offense and how we should live in a world of people who are. They talk about how to resist a victim mentality by getting your eyes off yourself. They commend overlooking and absorbing offenses when possible. They discuss why we must boldly hold to Christian doctrines that the world finds offensive, but that it’s possible to hold and even articulate offensive views in a way that communicates love and grace. Related Resources:  How to Find Peace When You Feel Offended We’re Hurt, and Healed, in Community Recognizing Our Own Marks of Righteousness DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. When you're offended, what’s your first instinct—to overlook it, confront it, replay it in your mind, or tell someone else? Why do you think that is? 2. What kinds of comments or situations are most likely to offend you? What might that reveal about what you value? 3. The Bible describes people in the last days as "lovers of self" (2 Tim. 3:2). How might a self-focused culture make us more easily offended? 4. Can you think of a time when someone graciously overlooked an offense from you? How did that affect your relationship? 5. Before addressing an offense, what questions might be helpful to ask yourself? 6. How does knowing that God is our Defender free us from needing to defend ourselves all the time? 7. Who in your life demonstrates the kind of patience, humility, and long-suffering described in Scripture? What have you learned from his or her example? Pick up a copy of Stand In Awe wherever books are sold or visit crossway.org/standinawe to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account. Get 20% off a course of your choice when you use code DEEPDISH20 at checkout. Learn more and register now at lifeway.com/academy. That’s lifeway.com/academyCheck out The Pour Over Podcast — politically neutral news for people who want the facts without the spin, and with a brief biblical perspective Click here for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition!Click here to sign up for notification of on-demand access to keynotes and breakout sessions from our recent conference, TGCW26! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.