Your fault? Read Romans 12:18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (NRSV) None of us really enjoys being out of sorts with another person. Some of sensitive disposition tend to always blame themselves for this state of affairs. They go over and over what they might have said or done to cause such relationship disruption. They might even apologise for anything and everything that has upset the other individual. This might be a mistake. You may not be to blame if someone is upset with you. Some people get easily offended, even using it as a weapon against others. “I am offended, therefore you have been offensive.” That is not always true. Their being offended results in you feeling like a wretch when it may be their problem all along. It is one thing to express sorrow that the other person is upset. It is another thing to apologise for causing the upset: it may not be your fault. By all means seek to sustain good relationships with others. By all means take steps to put right any wrong you may have committed. But don’t be too hasty in concluding it is your fault. As Paul reminds us, it is not always possible to live peaceably with others. We can do what we can to live at peace but we can’t guarantee it. Not even God can compel all to be reconciled to him so what chance do we have? Don’t go around seeking to offend. Don’t go around believing that just because someone is offended that you have caused the offence. Make every effort to mend a broken relationship, but never assume it is all your responsibility. Blessings David Reay
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 21:41:02 +0000
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