Not responding right away . . .

I was thinking . . .  the other day, a relative offended me with an offhand remark.  Actually it was made in an offhand way, but obviously had been well thought out in their life. The words hurt my feelings since it was something that was one of my life choices.  It was nothing bad, just a way of living that I have learned to live by and this relative has rejected it.  I know, we each have our own ways of doing things, but I was a bit shocked when the remark was voiced, but I didn't say anything.

It bothered me that evening and the next day.  I started to blow it out of proportion in my mind, as I was thinking that it was a judgement of my existence.  I wondered if I was not "approved" by that person. I wondered if I should talk to them about it. I wondered if I should talk to the other relatives about it.  I struggled with the thought.  Ever been there???

Well, what I came up with is . . . sleep on it!  After a day or so, I realized that the shock of the heartfelt statement was that person's opinion and it did not devalue me. I could and should let it go. Besides, isn't it written by Luke in Acts:

This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. 
Acts 24:16  NKJV

and I believe Solomon had something to say about this subject:

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends. 

Prov. 17:9  NKJV

And finally, my dear readers, as  Paul says:

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18 NKJV