Mean Versus Offensive
To be offended requires permission.
We are mean when we do things that are mean. In other words, we do these things knowing we are being mean when we do them.
But we can offend without intending it.
Meanness is an action. Offense is a response.
One is lashing out, the other is taking in.
Kindness is not keeping others from taking offense. Kindness actually works best by deciding not to take offense myself.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
And he said, “Go, and say to this people:
“‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
Make the heart of this people dull,
and their ears heavy,
and blind their eyes;
lest they see with their eyes,
and hear with their ears,
and understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.”
Isaiah's Commission from the Lord
Isaiah 6:8-10 (ESV)
This commission ought to confuse us. Shouldn’t Isaiah’s purpose for declaring to the people words from God have been to open the people’s eyes and ears?
Evidently words don’t force themselves in. They walk in through opened doors. This is a proof we have a will. I think the will can be damaged and lost but it should also be able to be recovered and strengthened.
Our choice.
Thank you Ben. Prevocative. Thought: Free will (choice) is a power we received from from our choice in the Garden. " I pray my tools do not harm beyond repair as I can not begin to understand their vast ability. I also pray for the blessing to know when my tools have done repair and not place them away but keep the handy to be called out again. "