LESSON MANUSCRIPT 2 (MWGYW)
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Presented to Dr. Dennis Wilhite In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
DSMN 601 MINISTRY OF TEACHING
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by Karlyne Robinson
April 19, 2011
ME (Orientation) Sometimes I wonder why I wrestle with the same problem over and over. I feel so stupid for just not being able to conquer it. But that’s probably something only I go through, right? Here’s the thing- I’ve tried to tell myself for years that I am a strong person, thick-skinned, able to take it on the chin, but the truth is, I have had many challenges, especially in the area of relationships. Why do I have so much trouble with people? Why do I always seem to end up being deeply disappointed by their lack of integrity, selfish behavior, meanness, etc.? Why do I take it so hard and personally? Why am I so easily OFFENDED? I have always considered myself to be a good friend-to my friends. I know that I am faithful, caring, sensitive to their needs, and generous. I’m not trying to sound like a super-saint here, I’m just saying that I put effort in being a true friend. The problem is, not everyone I have been a friend to, has been a friend to me. I have suffered many disappointments, had confidences betrayed, been unappreciated and taken advantage of. These betrayals have caused me to be overly sensitive to people’s words and actions, and, I hate to admit it but I have turned into a Christian who is easily offended. What exactly am I talking about when I say I am “offended”? I believe that to offend means that a person intentionally acted, to harm and betray another, in order to make them angry or feel some other negative emotion. Scripture translates these actions as causing someone to “sin” through anger. Now that we have a definition, is it a surprise that so many of our offenders have been family members, church members and close friends? WELL, IT WAS TO ME! And I tell you- I have