Forgiveness (part 2)

Remember the definition of forgiveness?  

 

Being offended leads to hurt and anger, which then leads to us needing to forgive.

 

 

I recently heard a priest talk about how “being offended shows a lack of humility.”  He related it to the 3rd Sorrowful Mystery of the rosary - when Jesus is crowned with thorns.

 

Think about the pain and suffering that Jesus endured.  Imagine how much humility it took for Him to unjustly receive such horrific punishment.

 

He is our perfect model for what level of humility we should strive for - and if we do, we can ideally avoid being offended.

 

Practically, I've found that one way to avoid being offended is to try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Try to assume the best.

 

Let's say you heard a friend hosted a dinner, but didn't invite you. You could automatically get hurt and offended, or you could give her the benefit of the doubt.  

 

Maybe she sent you an invitation, but it got lost in the mail.  Maybe she was helping another friend in a particular way, and you shouldn't have been there.  Maybe…..

 

Certainly it can be difficult sometimes to not have hurt feelings and assume the worst.  But if we work at humility and remember we're in good company (Jesus!), then every little step we take will be helping us grow in holiness.

 

1. Seven Sorrows of Mary mini ebook - we pray this chaplet as a family as part of our evening prayers during Lent
2. Lent in 5 Minutes a Day: A Simple Prayer Guide for Busy Catholic Moms - I created this helpful guide that includes a super short prayer, saint quote, and action item for every day of Lent