It is ironic that we are living in a world where people are easily offended by others and yet so often hardened to the needs of others around them. Such skewed sensitivity is really just the sin nature – the self-life on full display.  And Christians are not exempt. 

Selfishness is often robed in church garb. It uses new language but thinks like the old man. The most deceptive, disgusting, destructive, flesh is religious flesh. That’s why Jesus reserved His harshest words for religious leaders who were hard on others but easy on themselves.

How sensitive are you?

• The insensitive– This is the person who cares nothing about the needs of those around them. In a harsh world it is easy to grow hard. Busy people can begin to rush right past hurting hearts. God’s people are to live by a different principle, one often forgotten and rarely demonstrated – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).
• The overly sensitive– This is the person who is consumed only with their own feelings and the perception of others. The universe revolves around them, and it is a very small universe. When we are easily blown off course it is evidence that we are not anchored in eternal realities. “Great peace have they that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). 
• The spiritually sensitive– This is the person who is controlled by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Vance Havner called it being “in tune with heaven.” F.B. Meyer wrote about those who have learned to use “the senses of the soul.” Such individuals operate on a divine frequency, listening to the voice of God. They do not react in the flesh because they are responding in the Spirit. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The only way to avoid the insensitive and overly sensitive life is to become spiritually sensitive. As we walk in step with God we see others and ourselves as we really are. It humbles us and helps us to love those around us. God’s children are to be very sensitive to Him alone. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to the still, small voice of God today, and oblivious to the slights of others or your own impulses.