This is my newest article for The Gospel Coalition. You can read the entire article here.
When have you felt offended?
Years ago, I was helping organize the yearly women’s retreat at our church. I love teaching at women’s events and conferences, and during one of our planning meetings, another woman brought up the possibility of asking me to be the speaker. I was thrilled when everyone seemed excited about it. But a few weeks later, the team decided to ask someone else from our congregation to teach instead of me.
My initial response was to feel hurt. Over the next few days, that hurt blossomed into anger and offense. Who did they think they were, choosing this other woman over me? She was younger—and less experienced!
But as I prayed about everything swirling in my heart, the Lord showed me that underneath all my hurt and anger was pride. I was hurt because I felt rejected—an understandable emotion. But I was angry and offended because I felt entitled; I thought I was great and should be rewarded with an invitation to teach.
You can read the rest of the article here.
