Offended is a harsh word. It’s not one I use very often. In fact, it’s an emotion I rarely claim as my own. 

Ruffling through the history of my global work, however, I can see “offended” stamped all over it: 

“What? We’re required to serve these visitors meals? I’ve already put in a full day at the hospital. I signed up to be a nurse in Benin, not a cook.”   

“What do you mean this area doesn’t ‘do’ rentals? You mean our family of five has to live with your family of six for months, not just weeks?” 

“Lord, I thought I came to this village to serve. When are you going to show me what you actually want me to do?” 

When I think of the word offended it strikes me as the opposite of being content. It holds in it expectations that may never be met: 

“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; We mourned for you, and you did not weep.” Luke 7:32 

It’s like the men gathered around Jesus who thought certain actions would bring about the results they expected, “without accepting the will of God for themselves.” It’s like John the Baptist who Jesus reminded to verify what His Word fulfilled.  

To be content and not offended, I need to do the same.  

Ouch. I guess God never limited my service to eight-hour shifts and not once in the Bible did He say all those who follow him will have an apartment of their own.  

My expectations without examination of His Word set me up for offense almost every time. Truly “..blessed is the man who is not offended because of Me.” Luke 7:23