Offense

I was reminded of something yesterday. I need to be a person who stops looking for offense. If I am looking for it, I surely will find it. How much better to live life looking at people, their words and actions, through the eyes of grace. Think the best rather than the worst. Expect the best, and choose to turn a blind eye to the small annoying stuff.
Oh, I'm not suggesting offenses don't happen, You and I both know they do. Sometimes purposely, intending great harm. The thing that separates true offenders from imaginations of my mind is in the heart. The heart of the offender. How can I read the intentions of the heart of someone else? I can't.
So I have a choice, be offended because I am sensitive to offense, or chose to think the best of someone. This choice does not come without danger. I open myself up to being deeply hurt. My question is this, if I become a person who does not look for offense, if I can truly give people grace, how do I prevent myself from being destroyed by those who are evil in this world?  Wow,  that is a lot to think about.  I don't have an answer. My flesh says protect yourself, God says be a person of grace.
I guess it comes down to this, I am not able to judge a persons intent or heart. To do so is really only guessing. I know God is able to protect, He is able to know the hearts and minds of us all. He is able. He is able. He is able. Back to trusting God. Back to trusting His way is better than mine. Back to my knees before the throne.