I once knew a little boy named Tim who got insect antennae mixed up with his emotions. He said, “My feelers are hurt.”

It has stuck. My husband and I still use that cute saying to let each other know that an unkind tone or word was used. When the phrase is said, one of us smiles, and usually, apologizes.

Sometimes our feelers are out of whack, though, and we can take umbrage with the most innocent of remarks or actions.

I used to be like that. I would get road rage at other drivers or out-of-my-head angry at someone I thought slighted me. But God put wise people in my path who pointed out some scriptures:

“A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 (The NET Bible)

“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against any one; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)

So, let’s try to be the reasonable, scriptural ones who don’t get easily offended.

But when someone says or does something malicious, it is all right to let him or her know that you are sad or disappointed. You can do it in a tactful, loving way. If you like, you can borrow Tim’s line. That would make his feelers happy.