By Lisa S. Tarno

Shepherds have commonly employed a method of applying oil to a sheep’s head for the reason of protection and healing. Oil would repel insects, especially flies laying eggs in the nostrils that would form worms that would torment the sheep. Oil would also heal their heads from injuries as well. Psalm 23:5 speaks of one’s head being anointed with oil in David’s shepherd psalm. This was indicated for blessing and protection. Why am I talking about sheep, a psalm and oil in regard to offense? Read further for my insight.

My mother is experiencing dementia. It isn’t pretty. What was first heightened anxiety that prevented her from spending time with family during the holidays, has grown to depression and paranoia as well as hurtful words and anger that is completely unwarranted. Without going into much detail, suffice it to say, I like so many others who have loved ones experiencing this disease from the pit of hell are targeted with onslaught of evil words. My mother, the one I have known and loved, is no longer my mother. This disease is ravaging her brain and turning her into someone disturbingly different. I know this,  yet the sting is still the sting. 

Today I was reminded to pray something I have prayed before with other types of offense. I specifically prayed that God would anoint my head with His oil of grace to keep all negative thoughts from tormenting me much like a good shepherd would do to keep the real life insects from infesting their sheep. Additionally, I prayed that the comments and actions that happened recently would not stick to me and just slide off. 

Offense is a tool of the enemy of our souls. It’s meant to lure us and bait us into being tormented with negative thoughts, words and actions. So, I prescribe a prayer I pray almost daily:

“Father God, fill me with your grace, mercy and wisdom. Give me your grace to accept what is and have no unrealistic expectations on people or things. Fill me with your mercy so that I am ABLE to OVERLOOK what is offensive. Help me to not take anything personally or be overly sensitive to myself. Give me the ability to let all offensive things slide off of me as you slather me in the oil of your grace today. And last, fill me with Your wisdom to know what to say and what not to say as when to speak and when not to speak.”

Proverbs 19:11 is a verse that I have spent half my life unpacking and employing in my life. It reads:

“It’s to a mans glory to overlook an offense. In his wisdom he learns patience” That is the version I memorized it or paraphrased it anyway. So after years of decoding how this was possible…that I could actually choose to NOT be offended and not just be at the whim of my emotions in the moment…I studied this. 

To date, I have employed the prayer of asking for His grace, mercy and wisdom to fill me. We can ask God anything and as long as it lines up with His will, it will be granted. (See Matthew 7:7-8) If we lack wisdom, then ask for wisdom as it says in the book of James. The Bible is our ultimate handbook for living this life and NOT some antiquated history book. It’s meant to enrich and be employed in our lives.

So what does a sheep, oil and a psalm have to do with not being offended? We have the power and authority to ask that our minds be shielded from the enemy who seeks to torment us in various ways! We can live unoffended even when the hits keep on coming…and they will!