Ignoring an Offense - A Virtue

Proverbs 19:11 If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it. (Proverbs Made Easy)

Last year, some colleagues offended me and I reacted easily. I told them I was offended and asked them to be sensitive to others' feelings as well as myself. I was angry and wanted them to know that they hurt me right there and then. Some of them apologized. I accepted the apologies. My relationship with some improved but with others, I'm not really sure.

Recently, another colleague offended me. I did not react. I just let it go. I was hurt, of course. But I told the offense to God first and asked for grace to forgive. It was very hard and painful. This second instance happened after I've read the passage from Proverbs 19:11, "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.

I told God that I want to obey Him, that I'm welcoming Him to develop this virtue in me. It is painful but God gave me grace to ignore the offense. He granted me peace. It is a great virtue indeed. One that costs....one that hurts....but our Maker gives grace....He feels our pain and suffers with us.