What about Hurting or Offending someone? Should that person let us know that we have done so?

You bet they should! Without guessing, how will we know if we have offended them? We are only human and because of that we are going to hurt and offend
people along the paths of life. However, if we are hurting and offending people purposely or just don't care if we do, then what kind of a friend are we anyway?

When we feel hurt or offended by something a person says or does, it is important that we speak up and tell that person how we feel. In most cases, this person
is not aware that they have offended us. When we let them know that they have offended us, it then gives them the chance to apologize and to refrain from
doing so in the future. It also creates for that person, a chance to examine any Character Flaws within them selves that may be causing us to hurt or offend.
It is only being made aware of the fact that we have hurt or offended, that opens the door to possible change within our selves to become a better person in that area.

Equally as important, is the act of forgiveness! Without forgiveness, no doors can be opened and no change can take place. If you are the offended
and you do not forgive then you automatically become an offender and you carry that burden with you. The person that originally offended you, (Unintentionally), goes on feeling bad
that he/she accidentally hurt you but there is nothing more they can do about it. You on the other hand will continue with the guilt of not forgiving until you seek forgiveness from
some other source down the line. Gets pretty complicated doesn't it?

The easiest and best solution is to forgive as quickly as possible. Doing so Immediately puts you in the clear, and that temporary obstical is then cleared from the road and allows you
both to continue down the road together at peace with each other and your surroundings.

IF YOU HURT OR OFFEND SOMEONE, BE QUICK TO SAY I'M SORRY! IF YOU ARE HURT OR OFFENDED BY SOMEONE, SAY SO!

Back to where you were

This page owned and maintained by: Dan Saville
Copyright 1992