How to Handle Offense When the Truth Hurts

What do you do when the truth and a lie collide like two football players on a field?

Years ago, I watched the movie Concussion, a biographical drama depicting a forensic and neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu. Omalu “uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play,” IMDb describes.

I absolutely loved this movie for several reasons. I respect the passion and connection Dr. Bennet Omalu demonstrates as he asks his “dead” patients what happened to them. There they lay on that table, with no voice, yet their bodies hold within them the story of their lives. He becomes their voice. Have you been called to be a voice for others?

I connected with this doctor during another compelling moment in the movie. Omalu holds integrity and honor for his patients to the point that he places his career and finances on the line. Nevertheless, he was offended. Jesus told us, in this world, offenses will come. How do you handle these types of offenses?

Omalu remains faithful to his cause, despite the opposition. In the same way, God wants you to remain faithful to the truth and message He has given you, regardless of the opposition and the offenses you face. Regardless of the fact that my father’s side of the family is Islamic, I still share my Christian beliefs. Keep sharing your story. Even as I pray that God will deliver and save them, they perceive my love-motivated declaration of truth as offensive. Similarly, in the movie, evidence that Omalu discovered exposed the truth at a great cost to him. Has your purpose and calling led you to a place of great price? Have you ever stood up for what is right, and you had to suffer for it? I have, and I was able to relate to the doctor in this movie.

Omalu made a difference, though millions of people are still diehard fans of football. Even if people still decide to play the game, at least the truth was told. Even if millions of people still choose to follow the teachings of the Nation of Islam, I will speak my truth from the Word of God. Even if you are rejected for the work that you are doing, do it for the glory of God.

Omalu’s work provided a greater awareness of the painful truth associated with head injuries to football players that otherwise would have never been proven. I pray that, in this same way, the revelation of Christ will be revealed, and more people will be made aware of the error that has been embedded in the minds and hearts of those who have believed lies for generations, those who follow the Nation of Islam and other false religions.

How do you deal with such offense? Listen to Forgiveness on Overcomers with Marie Muhammad on the Charisma Podcast Network to learn how Jesus handled offense. {eoa}

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