Top Of The Morning To You Son,
What’s new in your world? Naturally, I hope and pray that all is well with you and that you are having a great day.
Have you noticed that these days, so many people seem to be very easily offended? While it is true that there are people who say things to intentionally hurt others, does that mean that those who are the objects of offense must take offense?
Offense is an interesting issue on a number of levels. If someone says something to offend you, does that mean that you must be offended? Being offended is sometimes referred to as, “taking offense”. In other words, to “take offense” we must accept the intentions of the offender. We must allow them to hurt us with their words. My question is, why in the world would we do that?
Offense that is not accepted is no offense at all. What if a complete stranger walks up to me and calls me stupid? Well, number one, it’s not really very smart to walk up to a complete stranger and call them stupid. In that case, the stranger is being exactly what he called me. I would most likely say nothing and just walk away. Other times I may just burst into laughter, but that sometimes makes people who wish to offend you angry.
Now believe it or not, some people take offense so quickly and easily that I wonder why they would ever leave the house. Now it is true that some people are very sensitive and have low self-esteem. A low level of self-confidence can make someone take offense and be emotionally devastated quite easily. Fortunately, that is something that they can work on to live a more fulfilling life.
There are other people who take offense easily not because they are overly sensitive, but because they are narcissistic. You could say something completely unoffensive to them, and they would work so hard to make a big production out of it to ensure that they are the center of attention. I know that sounds ridiculous, but you would be surprised to see how often that happens.
It is important not to value the opinions others have of us above our opinions of ourselves.
Well, that’s all for now!
Have an amazing day and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Dad