Being Offended or Betrayed

I acknowledge the hurt honestly — pretending it did not happen is not the same as forgiving it

I do not make permanent decisions about the relationship while the wound is still fresh

I choose to see the person who hurt me as someone Jesus died for, even while I am still wounded

I bring the hurt to Jesus before I process it with everyone else

I tell one trusted person what happened — I do not carry this alone

I do not retaliate or escalate, even when I have the opportunity and the justification

I choose to forgive — not once, but as many times as the memory returns

I do not let an unresolved offense take up permanent residence in my heart

When forgiveness feels impossible, I ask Jesus to give me what I cannot produce on my own

If the relationship allows it, I go to the person and name what happened — calmly and directly

I pray for the person who hurt me — even if only a few words at first

I seek counsel when the wound is deep rather than carrying it indefinitely alone