"Life is too short, and your calling too great to spend time offended."
These words have been a guiding truth for me lately. It’s so easy to hold onto offense, to let
the actions or words of others replay in our minds and chip away at our peace. But when we do, we lose sight of something much bigger—our purpose, our calling, and the joy that comes from living a life centered on love and grace.
The Weight of Offense
Carrying offense is like walking through life with a heavy backpack. Every slight, every hurtful comment, every unmet expectation adds another stone to the load. Eventually, it weighs us down to the point where we’re no longer moving forward with purpose. Instead, we’re stuck, consumed by what went wrong instead of focusing on what could be made right.
I’ve learned that when I cling to offense, I allow someone else’s actions to control my emotions, my focus, and ultimately, my growth. That’s not the life I’m called to live, and I bet it’s not the one you’re called to live, either.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior or pretending something didn’t hurt. It means releasing the power that hurt has over you. When we forgive, we set ourselves free to pursue our calling with clarity and energy. We make space for healing, peace, and even joy to take root again.
Letting go of offense is liberating! When we forgive, we’re choosing to step out of the shadow of bitterness and into the light of purpose for our lives.
Living with Grace and Boundaries
One of the lessons I’ve been learning is how to show love and grace, even to people who don’t reciprocate. Let’s face it—there will always be takers in life, those who drain us emotionally or fail to give back. Loving them doesn’t mean letting them exhaust us.
Instead, it’s about setting boundaries that protect our energy and time while still reflecting care/love. Self-care and boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re tools that allow us to live out our calling without becoming depleted.
Filling Your Bucket
We can’t pour into others from an empty bucket. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we stay filled—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. And I know many people like affirmation and encouragement from others - that isn't filling your bucket. We are responsible for filling our own bucket.
Here’s how I’m learning to do that:
Let Go Quickly Offense will come, but it doesn’t have to stay. I’ve started asking myself, “Will this matter in a week? A year? Eternity?” More often than not, the answer is no. When I let go quickly, I free myself to focus on what truly matters.
Lean into Faith I'm a faith girl. Prayer and time with God have been essential for me. When I feel drained or tempted to hold onto offense, I turn to God for strength and perspective. The grace God gives, reminds me that I’ve been forgiven, so I can extend that same grace to others.
Rest and Recharge Life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Rest is vital for staying on course. Whether it’s spending time in nature, journaling (works well for many - not me lol), being creative (this is my thing!) or simply taking a day/half day or couple of hours off, I’ve learned to give myself permission to pause and recharge.
A Call to Something Greater
Every moment we spend offended is a moment lost to our greater purpose. We were created to live with intention, to love deeply, and to lead well. Holding onto offense distracts us from all of that.
So today, I encourage you to reflect: Is there something you need to let go of? A hurt, a grudge, or an offense that’s weighing you down? Remember, life is too short, and your calling is too great to stay stuck. Let go, forgive, and step into the freedom that allows you to live fully for God’s glory.
Your purpose is waiting. Don’t let offense keep you from it.
コメント