Good morning and happy Monday…then again, some do not even like the word “Monday”.

These days, Mondays are more pleasant for my husband and I since retirement. Everyone is at different seasons of their lives and we remember very well the busyness and stress of rushing out on Monday mornings, so we are very grateful for this long awaited season.

I was reading my Bible this morning and decided to read Proverbs 19 since today is August 19th, my son Nicholas’ 31st birthday. I came to verse 11 and it hit my heart in a new way.

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Oh boy. Sometimes this can be incredibly difficult, right? I don’t believe anyone ever really wants to feel hurt or misunderstood. Offended. But it happens to all of us at times. Sometimes it’s our fault. Sometimes it’s not. Either way it’s unpleasant. I think many times, in both parties, there are places in the heart still in need of healing, which can only be done as we submit and humble ourselves before a Holy God. He tells us that offenses will come but to overcome evil with good.

When my sons were growing up I always encouraged them communicate after their arguments. I tried anyway. I felt it was very important to not move forward with unrest in their relationship.

Well I need to follow this myself at times as well. Is it easy when you’ve tried to communicate and strive for peace and still are misunderstood? Nope. But I rest in the fact that God sees, hears and fully understands every intricate thought, word and intention of our hearts. We bring all of it, our entire heart, to Him and let Him sort it all out.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It would be “ideal” to never be misunderstood. Then we would be perfect, right? Unfortunately this is not possible when we are all in need of Christ, who alone is perfect. He is the mediator for us. He is the one who prays for us. His love for us is genuine and pure!

Offense is such a thief. It steals away memories, making them painful and sad. Steals away time with loved ones. Steals away truth and peace. We spend hours thinking about the offense and days and even years apart because of the lies told to our minds and hearts. Friends, only Jesus can undue the knot of lies once an offense begins to take root.

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s remember how short our time is here on this beautiful earth together. We must not waste the precious moments we have with our loved ones and others. Time together is a gift we all take for granted at times, but we mustn’t allow the enemy of our souls to steal away the joys God is giving us each day.

I pray for all who may read this post today or sometime in the future. May you always be aware of God and His great love for you and not allow the thief of “offense” to take away the joys of relationship with those whom you love.

Blessings and hugs🌷