APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: Week of August 18-24, 2025, Speech: What do I do if a friend offends me? Lesson 20, Prepared Assignment.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: August 18-24, 2025, Speech: What Do I Do If a Friend Offends Me? Lesson 20, Prepared Assignment.

Speech (5 mins.) ijwyp article 75. Title: What do I do if a friend offends me? (th lesson 14).

We all know how valuable a good friendship is, but even among close friends, offenses can arise at some point. And when that happens, we ask ourselves: What do I do if a friend offends me?

Today we're going to consider three key points that will help us handle this situation with balance and Christian maturity.

First point: we are all imperfect.

A friend may say something that hurts us or do something that upsets us, even if they don't mean to. But isn't it true that we've all made others feel bad at times?

LET'S READ JAMES 3:2

"Because we all stumble often. If anyone doesn't stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, capable of controlling his whole body."

This text reminds us that we all make mistakes, especially when speaking. So, when a friend offends us, before reacting, we can ask ourselves: Have I also said or done things that could have hurt someone? This thought helps us cultivate understanding and avoid reacting harshly.

Second point: evaluate calmly before acting.

When we feel someone has offended us, our first reaction may be emotional, but the Bible gives us excellent advice.

 LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 7:9

“Do not be quick in your spirit to take offense, because taking offense is the thing of fools.”

It's wise to ask ourselves: Was what happened so serious? Is it worth ruining a friendship over? Can I just let it go?

Many discover that, over time, what offended them wasn't as important as it seemed at first. Sometimes, overlooking the offense is the best thing we can do. Proverbs 19:11 says it is a wonderful thing not to hold a grudge.

Third point: show interest in the other person's point of view.

Maybe we didn't fully understand what the other person meant or meant to say. That's why it's helpful to put ourselves in their shoes.

LET'S READ PHILIPPIANS 2:4

“Do not be looking out for personal interest only for your own affairs, but also for the affairs of others.”

When we remember how much we value that friendship, we have good reason to try to resolve the problem quickly. A true friend is not easily replaced, and if we talk to him calmly, without blame, and with a desire to understand, it can heal the wound more quickly than we think.

So what do I do if a friend offends me?

Let's remember these three main points:

1. I recognize that we are all imperfect, even me.

2. I calmly evaluate before reacting. Maybe I can forgive and move on.

3. I try to understand others because I value friendship.

Conclusion

If we learn to handle these situations well now, we will gain experience that will serve us throughout our lives. This way, we will maintain valuable friendships and please Jehovah, who is a God of peace and forgiveness.