Offenses Must Come – Josh Journal
It is natural that as humans, we commit lots of offenses towards each other. Maybe even in the course of one day.
It is inevitable. But the behavior of the offender, showing contrition, and attempt to avoid repetition plays a key role in forgiving, forgetting, and moving on.
I can be quite prickly. Due to the fact that I am very particular about how things get done, it is easy for me to get displeased or offended.
I also know that I am not perfect. The knowledge that I have a different mindset from most people makes me constantly watchful, to ensure I don’t offend people. But then, I know the offenses are inevitable. I will offend others and others will offend me. I am always ready to say “sorry”.
It occurred to me a while ago that I might be saying sorry a bit too much. When I compare how easily and frequently I apologize, compared to people around me, I realize I do it more often than most.
But of what significance is that? The same way I easily committed the offense, knowingly or unknowingly, it should be even easier to apologize.
It mostly cost us nothing to apologize, so why not go ahead? And when you apologize, you need to be a bit more conscious and attempt to ensure such an incident is never repeated.
It is not guaranteed that it won’t repeat itself, but when you are sure that you tried to prevent it, you can in good conscience apologize again. And your apologies will likely be accepted.
As for those in a hurry to claim that no one is perfect, or even point out that Jesus said “offenses must come”, remember the rest of that verse.
“Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” – Matthew 18:7 KJV
“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!” – Luke 17:1 KJV
Why exactly must you bring woe on yourself just to avoid apologizing? And if offenses must come, must you be the offender?
Others are aspiring to be sources of blessings, while you are parading yourself about as an Offender-in-Chief.
Truly, offenses must come. No, it doesn’t have to come through you. And whenever you are the offender, just apologize.
And if your apology gets accepted, try not to be a repeat offender. Don’t become that fellow we all avoid because trouble shows up just after you.
If the tongue and teeth can coexist despite many accidental bites, then humans must learn to get along despite our many offenses to each other.
Wilson Joshua is a Video Editor, Content Creator, and Creative Writer.
Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. @IJOSWIL
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