I recently joined the local Multi-Faith Council, and it's been quite the eye-opening experience.
The group is comprised of people from a variety of faith backgrounds: a range of Christian denominations, Latter Day Saints (Mormons,) Native American (Klamath) Tribes, Muslims (invited but haven't joined yet,) agnostics, and individuals that represent community organizations instead of faith-based organizations, for example, the hospital and the women's shelter. The stance of the Multi-Faith Council is that "while our traditions may differ, our commitment to compassion, service, and community well-being unites us." The basic intention is to help with the practical needs of individuals who have very low income or are unhoused in our community.
What I didn't know when I joined the group was that it would align so beautifully with the current Bible study we're doing in the Coffee and Christ Facebook groups (national and local.) Right now, we're reading Unoffendable, written by Brant Hansen.
One of the things I really admire about the people on the council is that they're choosing to not be offended by one another. We're working side by side, and sometimes we don't realize what each other holds sacred.
For example, one woman, (we'll call her Sandy) mentioned a part of the church building where she attends. She used an old-fashioned word that typically only refers to formal religious structures. Honestly, I didn't know what the word meant, but I could tell from context what she probably meant. Two other women in the group didn't know the word, but they were a little less gentle about how they expressed themselves.
It would have been really easy for Sandy to get angry at their lack of reverence for her sacred place of worship, but she calmly and graciously explained what she meant, then we all moved on with the conversation. The other two women weren't embarrassed that they didn't know the word.
I was awe-struck by the maturity with which Sandy handled the situation. It was a reminder to me that I have a choice whether or not to be offended. I can choose how I react to others, even when they don't treat me the way I want to be treated.
Sandy showed spiritual maturity. That's the kind of behavior that makes people more open to hearing about our faith, not rigid elitism.
This week, my challenge to you is to choose to be unoffendable. When someone cuts you off in traffic or says something thoughtless, choose to forgive and move on. I think you'll find a lot of peace.
We know that true peace is only found in Jesus. (John 16:33)
If you're interested in learning more, I encourage you to read Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen. You can also join us in our Bible study in the local Facebook group for Klamath Falls, Oregon or in the national group.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on being unoffendable.