The Sin of Hypersensitivity (Part II)

Scripture:  Hebrews 12:1 - Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

I have more stories than I care to remember about souls avoiding sound Bible-preaching churches because someone hurt their feelings by uttering a thoughtless remark, or merely looking at them askance.  Hypersensitivity about relatively minor offenses is one thing, but there’s a sense in which hypersensitivity can lead a person to forsake even hearing, let alone heeding, the gospel message because they are repulsed at the idea of being corrected, or critically regarded, by anyone!  It matters not how diplomatically some kindly-intentioned counsel may have been offered.   “Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die….He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,..” (Prov. 15: 10, 32)  It is unquestionably clear that hypersensitive folks tread a miserable path in this world, and without a relationship with Christ, their condemnation at life’s end is certain, no matter how offensive they found the gospel of Christ!  (Acts 4:12) Let us consider the child of God who struggles with hypersensitivity.

As soldiers in the Lord’s army, one writer declared, we need “tougher skins.”  We are urged throughout the Word to obey the command given in today’s topic scripture.  We need to learn how to embrace the right type of sensitivity.  Our Lord commands us to “Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved… tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another...” (Col. 3:12, 13)  Let us emulate King David, who in Psalm 141:5(a), petitioned our Lord to enable him to receive correction well:  “Let the godly smite me!  It will be a kindness!  If they reprove me, it is medicine!  Don’t let me refuse it.”  (TLB)

Prayer:  Dear Father, teach me the far-reaching wisdom of being “…quick to hear, [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”  [Jas. 1:19] Thank You, Lord; amen!

(by Denise Diggs)