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Are you part of the “I am offended” culture? Being offended is a choice you make; it is often self-inflicted suffering. But we are more and more surrounded by highly-offendable people, who seem eager to take offense at most anything. And let’s face it—social media has given them the platform to air their offendedness wide and far.
So, how should a Christ-follower respond to the offended culture that is all around us—in our institutions and schools, social media abounds with it, and it even creeps into the church. First, we should never be a part of it, either as the one easily offended or the one trying to offend. Jesus said, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (Matthew 5:39 – 41).
Jesus is not advocating that we subject ourselves to abusive behavior, but he is saying that if you will be willing to break the cycle, to be the one who refuses to return an offense for an offense, you can stop this hurtful cycle at least in your spheres of influence. If you actively take offense and get involved in the back and forth, you become part of the problem. Christians should be part of the solution.
This “I am offended” culture is demanding perfection of everyone—except themselves, of course. And if they discover anything in a person’s present or past which they can define as offensive, then the next thing is to try to cancel that person, leading to the cancel culture. The Psalmist said, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3). None of us would have any recourse to the Lord if he kept a record and constantly reminded and condemned us for our past. And if he can forgive us so freely and remember our sins no more, then as his followers, we should avoid this culture of laying blame and being offended.
It is sad to find so many social media conflicts between Christians. Jesus said if you have something against someone, you go to them in person, you don’t publicize it and re-send it and send copies to everyone you know. If you find something offensive, don’t share it with others.