A person is a Christian from the moment his new life has begun in Christ (John 1 and 3). But the struggle of will continues (Romans 7) as he works out his salvation (Phl 2:12) in his walk with the Lord. It is through all of this that he becomes sanctified, learning to follow the Spirit (Romans 8, I Cor 2) trusting God no matter what (Phl 4:6-7).Somewhere along the way, the Christian arrives at the point where mortals can no longer offend him (Col 3:1-3, I Cor 13:7) Then he realizes the Truth that God will never leave him nor forsake him - that whatever happens to him is also happening to Christ. He can let go and let God, stay in His Love and Light, quit worrying and start living, truly love his neighbor unconditionally, even his enemies (Matt 5). Thus he cannot be offended by another mortal.
With tears I tell you, dear Alamo-Girl, that I have thanked God often and fervently for the good gift of your mentorship to me.