The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

 After 59 years of living life, I’ve learned a valuable lesson (actually more than one), when offended, let it go. For some of you out there, letting go of someone hurting you seems to be impossible, but let me share with you the benefits of “overlooking a transgression”.

 Not too long ago I had a run in with someone I knew and they said some negative things towards me. None of what he said was true, but it felt like a gut punch. Within minutes of the claim, I took a few deep breaths and gave it over to God to handle. I could have easily engaged, plead my case, or said some negative thing back, but I didn’t. Sometimes the best reaction is “silence”, and silent I was. Looking back and knowing new developments, it was good for me to remain silent and let it pass.

 Today’s verse provides some very sound advice on how to respond when you’ve been offended or hurt. Be slow to anger and overlook a transgression. Here are the positive things that come from this type of response:

 1.    You don’t throw gas on the fire. That person is probably looking for you to respond and wants to engage in the conflict. When you respond, you open yourself to a dialog that is usually never good.

2.    2. Your lack of responding says a lot about your character and ability to not let that person get under your skin (which is what they were intending to do in the first place). Not responding/staying calm, is like putting a blanket over their fire and pretty soon extinguishes it completely. Chances are, they won’t mess with you again.

3.    3. Letting go of it and giving it to God, opens the door for you to forgive your offender (which is what you should always do), and brings peace, even when you are faced with turbulence from the offender. You’ll sleep better and not be disturbed by their attacks. God has a larger view and is already working on your behalf to protect you and is pouring out His judgment on the offender.

 Trust me friend, when I say you’ll live a lot longer when you learn to overlook the offenses in life and let God handle your attackers. You’ll have more peace and represent the true character of Jesus Christ. God bless!