To Choose Not to be Offended

A person’s wisdom yields patience;

    it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. 

—Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,

Grant me the wisdom that produces patience—rather than anger—and help me to choose not to be offended by what someone else may say or do.

Help me to be wise enough to watch for Your hand at work in all things that happen to me because of other people’s words or actions—that I might control my reactions and remain patient enough to find out what You have to teach me.

Help me not to eagerly embrace every opportunity to be offended by what comes my way, but rather reject the destructive power that an offense can hold over me.  Help me let offenses pass me by—as I remain confidently at peace in the truth of who You have shown me I am in Christ.

Help me be slow to become angry, but quick to understand, quick to love, quick to show compassion, mercy and grace, and quick to forgive and move forward, unencumbered by the past, in the joy and peace that You call me to walk in—so I can be busy about the good things You have for me to do, for Your glory, honor and praise.

Grant me the wisdom that produces patience—rather than anger—and help me to choose not to be offended by what someone else may say or do.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.