Imagine this: You are sitting at your desk and you see the flashing light of your school voicemail. Grabbing the phone handle, you dial the code only to hear a not-so-pleasant parent on the other end.

“My child said you……”

The voice trails off as you think to yourself, Here we go again.

As you tune back in, you hear, “How could you speak to them like that? It is not their fault you didn’t help them.”

This scenario, or one like it, is one many of us have faced in our careers. As educators, we have the opportunity to be offended daily. Whether it is a disgruntled parent or someone who degrades our profession, offense happens.

So, what do we do when these offenses come our way?

Today’s verse, Proverbs 19:11, provides clear direction.

Now, I understand that overlooking an offense is challenging, but this verse clearly states it is what we are called to do. As Christians, we must live by the Word of God, even when it is counter to our carnal nature.

At the same time, overlooking an offense does not mean we have to be a doormat for people. This verse shows us we should practice wisdom in the situations we face, and with wisdom comes the discretion of the Holy Spirit. This discretion allows us to respond appropriately instead of relying solely on our emotions to guide our responses.

When we rely more on the Holy Spirit’s discretion rather than our own emotions, we begin to exhibit patience and wisdom, and in turn, it becomes easier to overlook offenses.

So, today, what will you choose? Will you lean into your carnal nature and allow an offense to rule your emotions? Or will you choose to rely on the discretion of the Holy Spirit and overlook the offenses that come your way?

Father, we pray You help us overlook the offenses that so easily try to ensnare us. We humbly ask You to impart Your Holy Spirit wisdom and give us the discretion we need to respond appropriately to the challenges we face. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Copyright Katina Wetter-Wright.

Katina is a member and an elementary school teacher from Indiana. In addition to teaching, she runs a blog, Reflections of a Believer, and wrote a book, The First 30 Days: A Challenge to Change Your Mind and Revolutionize Your Eternal Destiny.