Easily Offended
Are Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints easily offended?
I believe that there are some LDS people who are easily offended, and some LDs that are not. I think it very individual. When people put a lot of time, emotion, faith, energy into a cause, work, or community, we become so involved that our personal feeling become closely connected and we become sensitive to others actions, words, and behavior.
I don't think it's specific to the church, but a social/cultural/psychological issue. And I agree with Isiah53 about putting a lot of work into something and having our emotions connected to that - it often makes for a situation to become offended easily. However, the people who retain callings for a long time are the ones who learn not to be offended.
In my opinion, of course.
Roz
I do not think it is particularly connected to Church members, yet in my personal experience and dealings with members here in Trinidad, I must say that there is a big number of members who are constantly and quickly offended (for things you will not believe). Right now in my Branch, this is a huge issue.
"Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."
(David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 90)
Thats so true! If youre offended its because you choose to be offended. I got to print that out and keep it with me and not just for me.
As we should not take offence we should work on not giving offence. As members of the church it is imperative that we attempt to be as kind and as we can, lifting others so that they can be strengthened. As we do this I believe our own capacity for not taking offence is strengthened, giving us patience.
[Prov. 21:23]:
QUOTE |
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles"! |
dbackers, good points. Kindness is something very important to always keep in mind, it's a Christ-like attribute after all.
Pres. Hinckley in the last Conference spoke again about not being quick to be offended, I was glad he mentioned it. I believe this is a big issue within the membership of the Church worldwide and I must confess is one of my pet peeves.