Blessed are those who are offended

Blessed are those who are not offended by me.” Matthew 11:6

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a deeply moving conversation with someone who shared their recent experiences involving dreams of their deceased loved one. This individual expressed how vivid and emotional these dreams were, sharing details that resonated with many who have faced similar losses. In recounting this dream, they sought comfort and understanding, and the other person they confided in attempted to provide an interpretation. This interpretation suggested that the dream signified the presence of a guardian angel watching over them, a notion that many find solace in when grappling with grief. However, this interpretation sparked a deeper reflection within me, leading to a profound realization that I felt compelled to share. Not long after this conversation, one of my closest friends sent me a video that struck a chord with me and challenged my understanding of the relationship we have with our deceased loved ones. The video presented a viewpoint that resonated with the teachings found in scripture, emphasizing that our deceased loved ones do not serve as guardian angels. If they were indeed acting in that capacity, the argument goes, they would be filled with sorrow as they observe the pain and suffering we endure in our earthly lives. Instead, the scripture indicates that our loved ones are at rest, described as 'sleeping' until the return of Christ. For those who have followed Christ during their earthly journey, the promise is that they will rise as warriors at the time of the second coming. I felt it was important to share this perspective with my friend, hoping to provide clarity rooted in faith. However, the response I received was unexpected. She expressed that my delivery was off, labeling it as unprovoked and lacking in empathy. This feedback prompted me to reflect on my approach and the message I was conveying. To seek further understanding, I consulted with other close friends who are also followers of Christ. They reassured me that my delivery was not the issue; rather, the discomfort stemmed from a rejection of the truth itself. They explained that when someone resists the message of God, it is not a personal rejection but rather a rejection of God’s truth. This experience led me to a deeper exploration of the scriptures, particularly the messages found in the book of Samuel and other biblical texts. I came to understand that the truth can often be a source of offense, and as followers of Christ, we may find ourselves offending others simply by sharing what we believe to be the truth. Jesus himself faced rejection and offense, and we should not be surprised when others react similarly to the truths we hold dear. Those who are offended by the truth may be comfortable in their own misconceptions and may struggle to accept the reality of God’s word. In reflecting on this, I was reminded of the beatitude, “Blessed are those who are not offended by me.” This statement encourages us to recognize that both the offended and the unoffended are part of a larger spiritual journey. We are called to bless everyone, regardless of their response to our message. Jesus teaches us that we should not be disheartened by the reactions of others but rather remain steadfast in our faith. By doing so, we open ourselves to the blessings that come from God. In essence, remaining steadfast in our relationship with God leads to true freedom. We thank God for His word, which brings us peace, joy, love, freedom, faithfulness, encouragement, and an abundance of life. We are grateful for the gift of Jesus, who embodies these qualities. As we navigate our interactions with others, may we be reminded to stay encouraged, recognizing that offense may arise from our faith-based conversations. It is essential to shed any desire to please others at the expense of our commitment to God’s truth. Our purpose is to serve others while remaining true to our calling to serve and please God. We ask for continued guidance and wisdom, that we may apply the knowledge we receive to our lives, transforming it into wisdom that reflects the character of God. May we foster a deep desire to understand His nature, follow His commands, and extend love to others in the same way He loves us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.