Dennis the Menace is a mischievous fictional character - he first came to life in comic strip form in the early 1950's. Many of the storylines involve him disrupting the life his cranky adult neighbour, George. Whilst Dennis' actions are not malicious, George does get very frustrated and annoyed: as we might if our neighbour - Dennis - rolled our camper van down the hill or continually interrupted our dinner parties.

What do we do when someone offends us? When they take the joke too far or make a comment that hurts? Jesus told us to love one another as he loved us (John 13:34-35). As believers, God is keen for us to stand out (that's 'stand out from the crowd', not 'stand outside the offending person's house verbally lashing out'). It means to respond to people and situations in a way that glorifies who God is.

Whilst we may not consider ourselves the 'get our own back' type, we may 'freeze out' those we're unhappy with, without realising it. The way we respond - with love or with revenge - has consequences: 'Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends' (Proverbs 17:9 NLT). Responding to offence may feel 'right', but in reality it tears down: them and us.

So what now? Been offended or hurt recently? Pray about it and then speak to the person. Perhaps they may not even know you were offended. Respond in a God-honouring way - even if they don't apologise. Love always prospers.

— SCRIPTURE —
'Love prospers when a fault is forgiven.' Proverbs 17:9 NLT
— SOULFOOD —
Hos 1-5, Luke 19:22-40, Ps 116:12-19, Pro 8:10-13