Belief Quote by David A. Bednar
“When we believe or say we have been offended, we usually mean we feel insulted, mistreated, snubbed, or disrespected. And certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean-spirited things do occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Teachings on Offense, 2015
Offense is a personal decision, not an external imposition; we choose how to interpret others’ actions.
In simple terms: Being offended is a choice, not a condition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and release the choice to be offended.
Themes
personal responsibility
emotions
communication
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- relationship management
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your choice to feel offended?
- How can you reframe perceived slights?
A Different Perspective
Offense can be a protective reflex that may be hard to relinquish.
![“As we learn in [the] scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God.” quote by David A. Bednar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/92f/david-a-bednar-2121_agency_as-we-learn-in-the-scriptures-the-fundam_144654.jpg)
