The Sin of Hypersensitivity (Part I)

Scripture:  Prov. 15:31, 32 (NKJV) -  The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.  He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

Have you ever considered, dear readers, that hypersensitivity is a SIN?  And just like all other sins, it is a problem of pandemic proportions—a root issue that fans out, if unchecked, into SO many other life areas!    Hypersensitivity is defined as, “…the tendency to be quick to take offense or be offended; touchiness, hurt feelings. “If not taken to the extreme, a degree of sensitivity can be viewed as a good thing.  I’m persuaded, however, that a reasonable dose of sensitivity, tends to make one a bit more empathetic to other people’s feelings.  (The world certainly could use a lot more of that these days)!  

When I was a little girl of about 10 or 11 years old, my maternal grandmother looked me in the eye, with loving concern, saying, “Niecy darlin’, you’ve got your feelings  on the ends of your fingertips; you’ve got to stop being so touchy!”  You guessed it—I immediately took offense to my dear Grandma telling me such a stinging truth about myself; yet, to this day, I am grateful for her loving candor.

The Spirit has so much to say on the growth-stunting by-products of hypersensitivity.  One by-product is pride.  “When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the lowly is wisdom.”  (Prov. 11:2)  Failing to respond properly to criticism is a sure indicator that we have some pride issues to uproot and banish!  “A man’s pride shall bring him low,” says Proverbs 29:23(a).   Anger, another troublesome off-shoot of hypersensitivity, shows up frequently on our highways and byways—in the form of “roadrage.”  “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly,” says Proverbs 14:17(a). None of us belonging to Christ wants to obstruct our own growth in Him, do we? Instead, let’s emulate the wise man described in Proverbs 19:11, who “…restrains his anger and overlooks insults.  This is to his credit.”  (TLB) Let’s get serious, saints, and grow up some more.  Let’s purpose anew to resist the SIN of hypersensitivity!

Prayer:  Oh, Abba, You have placed Your divine finger on this besetting sin of mine on quite a few occasions!  Show me the lateness of the hour, that I might be offended or quickly angered by none more than I fear You and desire to honor You!  Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name ; Amen!

(by Denise Diggs)

11 Comments


McNeal Brockington - December 3rd, 2020 at 6:16am

Amen, yes indeed, and sho nuff!

Holy Spirit lead us towards a discernment which blesses, even today.

Debora - December 3rd, 2020 at 6:17am

Father, please forgive me for my character defects due to hypersensitivity. Help me to be slow to anger, and quicken my heart to be loving, patient, kind and forgiving, as You have been towards me. Amen

Thank You Sis. Denise

Novella Carpenter - December 3rd, 2020 at 9:16am

Amen! Yes, Lord. I've been there. I'm reminded of the Word-Don't think of yourselves more highly than you ought. Hallelujah Lord.

Cheryl - December 3rd, 2020 at 9:43am

Thank You Lord for Your creativeness in growing us up!

Pat T - December 3rd, 2020 at 10:07am

Amen!!! This is so true, Sis. Denise.

Wendy - December 3rd, 2020 at 1:01pm

Amen ! Sister Denise-ThankYou!!

Star Brewington - December 4th, 2020 at 5:46am

Amen Sis. Denise. I had to learn not to wear my feelings on my shoulders.

Duane - January 14th, 2022 at 10:11am

Truly, this subject address the heart of a critical area in my life that must be daily presented to the Almighty God! The instructions and testimony here are key encouragement in my determined application to grow in Christ and the scripture concerning my discretion. Thank You!

Olivia - March 13th, 2023 at 12:09am

Amen may the Lord open my eye more

Ihenacho Enestina Kasarachi - April 11th, 2023 at 1:22am

Wow this was really helpful now I got to understand how anger and pride brings about hypersensitivity and vise-versa thank you .

Lisa P - April 26th, 2023 at 11:23am

Thank you Denise! I've seen an Allergist for one year. He said my allergies were "hypersensitive". I attend a full gospel church that practices "deliverance" in order to heal as Scripture clearly speaks of. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I was experiencing hypersensitivity in my behavior. Today, I researched and found the article. Thank you Holy Sprit for using your people to share the revelation and knowledge for your glory! Now, I can rebuke the "spirit of hypersensitivity" and it must flee!

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