And Then Shall Many be Offended

 In chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus' disciples ask Him about the signs that will tell of His coming. One of these signs is that “many [will] be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Unfortunately, so much evidence of this exists in our world today. In fact, the political landscape we see in the United States with an incredible divisiveness is pretty consistent in many other countries throughout the world. It wasn't very long ago that politicians would work together to get the right things done. Today, it hardly matters how good something is, if it wasn't introduced by the right party it cannot be supported.

Offense. It is so easy to allow ourselves the convenience of being offended. We can use that to justify going against principles we might already know to be true. Elder David A. Bednar suggested that “to be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else” (Bednar). Although I am not suggesting the choice to offend does not exist, I do believe we should think hard when we allow another's actions or words to make up the primary reason or catalyst that drives our action or inaction. We should not justify ourselves of things we know are wrong just because someone else said or did something.

Almost immediately after stating that many will be offended, the Savior goes on to explain that those who remain “steadfast and [are] not overcome, the same shall be saved.” We must understand that if we choose NOT to be offended and remain strong in our convictions, we will be blessed for doing so. It is also important to understand that those blessings will pour out on us, our loved ones, and many others with whom we have contact.

Works Cited

Bednar, D. A. (2006). And nothing shall offend them. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng.