Have you ever said something that offended someone, but you did not mean it the way that they thought you meant it? Did you ever feel hurt before you knew all the facts about a situation? Part of the reason why some people are so easily offended is because of insecurity. Most times there is little or no reason to feel hurt besides the fact that we have chosen to take something to heart that we did not have to. The reality is that we have control over how much we allow others to hurt us. We can experience less emotional pain if we choose not to be offended. Forgiving Others Brings Healing to Yourself How easily do you forgive people? Many individuals have held on the bitterness and anger for years after an offense has occurred. Staying upset at someone only festers the wound in your own heart. The other person is living their life without any worries about what you are torturing yourself over. While you may have every right to be angry about the wrong that someone has done, you need to let it go. Forgiveness does not condone what they did and it does not have to put you in the position for them to do the same thing to you again. What forgiveness truly will do for you is heal you and take the power of that pain away, so that your heart can be at peace. It's Not Them, It's You Do you find that you are offended often? Some people act as if the entire world is against them all the time and no one truly loves them. It seems that every little thing that happens proves to them that they are not truly loved and they seem to be hurt about something all the time. If this is you, it is time to let go of the pain and start realizing that you are loved. It is much harder for others, however, to show that love to someone who would readily accuse them of not caring enough. Here are some tips that can free you from constantly being offended and help to heal your pain: Don't jump to conclusions. Think about things logically and calm yourself. Talk it over with the possible offender by asking them what they meant when they said what they said, or why they did what they did. Do not accuse them outright and be willing to listen and forgive. Sometimes, you might feel wounded about something, but it might be a minor thing that doesn't even need to be addressed. There are some offenses that are errors of the mind and not the heart. You know that they probably did not intend to hurt you. If it truly is important and needs to be addressed, do so. If it is something small just let it pass. Journal about it or pray and then release it. If you are struggling with insecurities, this might be the root of the pain that you believe is coming from the words and actions of others. You have to truly love yourself in order to be loving and understanding; so that others would trust their love even when they do wrong. Meet with a trusted loved one or a professional to talk about the reasons why you may be insecure and how you might overcome this. It is up to you to stop getting so offended. Now is the time to be the stronger person and live in love and forgiveness. Your wounds will heal in time and new hurts will be farther and fewer in between.