Many in modern society are ‘offended’ by the actions of others. If there wasn’t enough things to take offense for in today’s atmosphere of contention, some are taking offense at historical figures and events.
They are getting emotionally worked up over people and events taken out of their historic context.
Taking up offense for the actions of others is now fashionable. Vandalism and destruction of private property is condoned by courts when someone is offended. Courts turning a blind eye to immature outbursts is becoming commonplace.
If courts don’t care about property, what’s the likelihood that they’ll care about your marriage? I shudder when I consider that question.
When the judges allow vandals to destroy at will, do you think they’ll have your best interest when you need your marriage or property protected?
When my wife and I were victims of arson, the act was dismissed by the court, claiming that the main suspect was ‘just angry’. Excusing destructive behavior in the name of being offended or angry strikes me as counter-productive.
Everyone wants someone else to be responsible, yet when irresponsible behavior is dismissed, it discourages anyone from being responsible. Taking initiative to improve matters is discouraged.
Although taking responsibility is discouraged and leaves you feeling like you are going against the stream, it does make a difference. When you take steps that bring healing, there’s always some push back. It’s as if people and society want to stay sick and unhealthy.
So when you find yourself experiencing the pushback anytime you start taking responsibility, it’s a sign you’re doing something that makes real change.
One of the biggest changers of relationships is through forgiveness. Even this presents several problems.
One is that today’s culture coddles taking offense. Forgiveness goes counter to this.
Forgiveness also means that rather than staying in la-la land or virtual reality, you are instead dealing with life on life’s terms. You are facing reality rather than running from it.
Many people don’t forgive because they don’t know how to do it. They want to, but don’t know what’s involved.
Rather than wallowing in your being offended and drowning in self-pity, you can instead know how to forgive and start transforming your relationships. The video “Forgiveness: Stop the pain, tear down the walls and remove the roadblocks” walks you through what to do and how to do it.
You no longer have to sit in your pain due to not knowing what to do. You can instead be one of those who takes responsibility for your emotions, your relationships and your mental health.
Keeping It Real,
Jeff
