LISTEN ONLINEWhen I entered my church after several months of quarantine, I was excited to see members I hadn’t seen in a while. I realised that some members, especially older ones, just wouldn’t be back—some due to safety reasons and others, unfortunately, because they’d passed from this life. So I was quite excited when I spotted an older couple coming into the church and taking their normal seat behind me. I waved at them both. The man returned my greeting, while his wife stared at me without even smiling. I was hurt and wondered why.
It was a few Sundays later that I observed the same woman (who hadn’t returned my greeting) being helped by a friend who was showing her when to stand or sit—acting as her carer. My old church friend was apparently very sick and hadn’t recognised me. I’m glad I didn’t approach her or even get upset when she didn’t return my enthusiastic greeting.
Proverbs offers a lot of advice for living wisely, and not being easily offended is one of its gems. In fact, it says “sensible people . . . earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (19:11 NLT). Choosing not to get offended and learning to “control [our] temper” (v. 11 NLT) can bring us honour. It may require patience and “wisdom” (v. 8), but it reflects the gracious heart of our Father who has chosen to forgive every one of our offences towards Him.