Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

You might want to have a seat before you start reading.

We have become a culture of the offended. In the past folks would be upset about something and just roll with it. In the past things could be done or said and we ignored them, steered away from them, turned the other cheek. Not any more. These days folks are offended by anything and everything. It’s ironic that lots of items are offensive mostly towards ones who have nothing to do with whatever it may be they are claiming is offensive. It’s as if society these days feels the need to speak up for others who don’t even seem to be offended.

Now…before you get offended and lash out…there are always exceptions.

There are most definitely times when someone needs to stand for the weak or the powerless. We should always stand for truth and stand against injustice. Period. But there are also times I feel folks become offended by items that have nothing to do with them, nor did they actually do research to see if what they have become worked up against is valid and offensive to whomever they feel it may be. I digress…

As a minister I often hear folks say they were upset that “so and so” didn’t call to check on them, or “so and so” hadn’t been by to visit them, or “so and so” didn’t come see them at the hospital or attend that funeral or make sure they were ok from that incident. This next part is where you may be offended, so brace yourself, ok? Are you doing your portion as well?

“They don’t call me.” Are you calling them?

“They haven’t visited me.” Have you visited them?

“They never asked if I was ok while in the hospital.” Did they even know you were in the hospital?

“They didn’t come to mamas funeral.” Did they know? Were they already dealing with other items they couldn’t avoid? Did you attend the funeral of the one close to their heart?

I’ve been told: “Well, no, but that’s not my job.” Woah, woah, woah! Jesus mentioned, “whatever you do for the least of these (Matthew 25)”. Paul tells the Philippian Church to not look out for their own interests but instead look out for the interests of others (2:4). The Hebrews author challenges us to “make every effort to live at peace with everyone and to be holy (Hebrews 12:14).” Paul told the Galatians to “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (6:10).”

Stop being offended. Start being the good needed!

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.