Article October 1, 1955 Issue

TAKING AND GIVING OFFENSE

GENEVRA KETCH

How much unhappiness and heartache could be eliminated from our experience if we would stop to realize the unwisdom and futility of taking offense! False sensitiveness is one of the brood of mortal mind evils; it is first cousin to self-pity and sister to self-love. It brings distress to the person who indulges in it and to all who are in contact with that person. When we take offense easily, we put unnecessary strain on our friends and condemn ourselves to unhappiness.

The ability to take a rebuke in good part and to correct his behavior accordingly, without bitterness, is expected of a child. How many of us, as adults, are willing to accept reproof and to profit by it? Instead, are not our feelings sometimes outraged by even the mildest censure? One of the greatest blessings which the study of Christian Science may bring into our experience is the gentle balm of humility. The earnest student is willing to become receptive to and grateful for guidance that points the way out of discord.

Self-justification, arrogance, sulkiness, cannot remain to torment us when meekness and teachableness have entered our consciousness and control it. Christian Science teaches us to neutralize every sting of error with the patience of love, to deflect every taunt by knowing that our real individuality cannot be reached, for it is spiritual, cognizant of good only and immune to resentment.

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