REFLECTIONS FROM ▶ JASON PRIVETT'S MESSAGE ON 7/7/24
Recently, we discussed a powerful concept: becoming un-offendable like Jesus. It’s a challenging journey, but one that’s transformative.
The Power of Knowing Who You Are
In Matthew 16:15-19, Jesus has a pivotal conversation with Peter. He asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus then tells Peter who he truly is: a rock on which He will build His church.
Ask Yourself: Who am I in the eyes of Jesus? Do I let the world's opinions shape my identity, or do I trust in who Jesus says I am?
Peter was highly offendable, much like many of us. The noise of the world often drowns out the truth of our identity in Christ. But un-offendable people know who they are. They are secure in their identity, so much so that external opinions and insults do not shake them.
Reflect: What if Jesus stepped in front of all the noise in your life and told you who you really are? How would that change your response to criticism and offense?
Responding vs. Reacting
When offended, our natural inclination is to react out of anger, fear, or sadness. But unoffendable people respond thoughtfully and purposefully.
Consider: How do I usually react to offense? Do I take a moment to think and respond, or do I let my emotions dictate my actions?
Here are four ways to respond to offenses:
Change: Sometimes, an offense reveals something in us that needs to change. It’s an opportunity for growth.
Learn: There are moments when we need to learn from an offense. It teaches us something valuable about ourselves or others.
Address: Certain offenses need to be addressed directly, but with grace and a desire for reconciliation.
Let Go: Often, the best response is to let go of the offense, understanding that it says more about the other person than about us.
Question: Which of these responses do I need to practice more in my life? How can I be more mindful in choosing the right response?
Dying to Self
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 16:24-25 that following Him requires self-sacrifice. We must die to ourselves, to our ego, and our need to always be right or vindicated.
Ponder: What parts of myself do I need to die to in order to live more like Jesus? How can self-sacrifice lead to a more unoffendable life?
Living unoffendably and being appropriately offensive like Jesus (through living a life of love and truth) requires dying to self. It’s about choosing daily to rise above, to love generously, and to live humbly.
Living the Life of Self-Sacrifice
Today, resolve to be the person who rises above offenses. Choose to be someone who loves, forgives, and reflects Jesus in every action. Here’s a personal list of resolutions that might inspire you:
Rise above petty conflicts.
Adore your spouse and cherish your family.
Take no offense and step into productive conflict.
Run toward the mess and address it with grace.
Repent quickly and take healthy risks.
Celebrate wins and learn from losses.
Live in integrity and take care of your body.
Lead humbly and die to self daily.
Final Question: How will you choose to be unoffendable today? What steps will you take to die to yourself and live more like Jesus?
Reflect and Pray: Jesus, help me to die to myself and live more like you. Show me who I truly am in your eyes, and help me to respond to offenses with grace and love. Amen.
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