It is fact that we now live in the most “offended” society in recent history. And while it’s frustrating, and sad, and occasionally ridiculous, it’s the truth. Suddenly every little thing that someone doesn’t like becomes an occasion to be offended, call the media, and make a scene about. There are no boundaries, either. While politics, race and religion have been topics for years, we now throw in signs, reserved parking, holidays, tv shows, etc etc.

Keeping in mind that some things like injustice, crime, and abuse SHOULD be offensive, let’s all just take a deep breath, look around, and agree it needs to stop. And here’s why.

In the beginning, GOD. Holy, righteous, eternal God, created the heavens and earth and everything in it. He filled the earth with everything good and pure and beautiful, including man. He set Adam and Eve up in an astounding world, where sin had never entered and nothing was defiled. At the end, He saw that it was good, and He rested.

It was amazing..but not for long. Satan, evil and temptation came calling trying to deceive the very first generation. And He succeeded. Suddenly, the perfect beautiful world was infiltrated with sin and disobedience, and God was offended. VERY offended. He was angry, and sad, but in His holiness He could not overlook it, and Adam and Eve were barred from the Garden of Eden, destined to now be fallen people living in a fallen world. Worst yet, they were separated from God and His intimate presence.

AND YET…GOD!! The same God who created and blessed was not done. He was not willing to leave His people poor, broken and lost in sin with no hope. The separation from them brought about by sin broke HIS heart.

Now keep in mind that He knew, even as He created, that this fall would come, and that He would have to act to fix it. Therefore, we have CHRISTmas. Years went by, generations came and went, and sin was not only present, it was vibrant, alive, and creating havoc everywhere. God was offended! He was angry with the condition of the workd. He was incensed that the very people He created in His image by and large spurned Him, and dared Him to retaliate.

Get the picture? The Most High, perfect and pure God was being OFFENDED. He was scoffed, disobeyed, ignored, and mocked. His name was taken in bain, people refused to listen to Him, and His very right to even have an opinion about His world was refused.

So He struck back! His revenge was sending Jesus, His only Son, to come into this filthy world, live among its sinful and unholy people…and DIE for them. You read that right! He who had the most reason and power to exact revenge on the world and wipe it out, DID NOT. He did not do any of the things that you and I would. He acted in grace and mercy. He responded to our need for Him and to be reunited with Him with compassion. He was offended, but He offered a way for man to be redeemed and forgiven. Everyone who accepts His sacrifice is totally restored and has an eternal home with Him.

So are you offended right now? With little tacky stuff? Are you being rejected and mocked for your faith? Are you ready to strike out and get even? Try God’s approach of grace and mercy. Give yourself and others the best Christmas present ever..try Christmas!