I just heard that someone was offended by something I said in a meeting. Up to this moment, I don’t know what caused the offense. I know what I said, but I have no idea how those words could have been taken in an offensive way.

I’m seeking out that person and will surely offer my sincerest apologies. I’m sure there’s a good reason behind that person’s feelings.

It made me think about how often we unknowingly offend others, and get offended by others without them having a clue about it. Here’s what Jesus had to say to His disciples about this:

It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! Luke 17.1

First lesson: Offenses can’t be avoided. Jesus didn’t say the word “impossible” often, so we’d better listen here. One of the reasons you can’t stop offenses is because people can offend you without meaning to. Before they know what they’ve done that offended you — if they ever do — you’ve already deleted their name from your address book.

My advice: Have a positive attitude and give people the benefit of the doubt. Chances are they never meant it in a bad way.

Second lesson: Don’t intentionally offend people. What Jesus said next, regarding what will happen to intentional offenders, doesn’t conjure up a very pleasant image…

Update, May 29th: After several attempts to contact the person I mentioned above, leaving messages, including an apology (for what I still don’t know), the last thing that happened was that the person threatened my secretary when she last called and told her she never wants to hear from me again. I guess I’ll only know why in heaven…