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Offensive Ministry?


Does it bother you and make you feel uncomfortable to be around someone who is known for being verbally aggressive, offensively opinionated, and outwardly negative and critical on "hot topic" subjects such as race, sexual orientation, and the government? When they express their opinions, they are not only blunt and animated, but their language and demeanor is a bit course and rough around the edges.

Does it also bother you to know that people, like this, are also claiming to be a Christian? I've come into contact with several throughout my life and it definitely leaves me wondering, if not disappointed.

As Christians, the Bible is clear that we are not to behave in this way. A critical spirit and quick tempered personality that is harsh and toxic is not an attribute we should display. Christians are different. We are “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16) and we are to be advocates for gentleness and respect (2 Timothy 3:15). We are God’s children and should live like we truly belong to Him.

Search the Scriptures and you will never find authorization to be judgmental, to threaten, make offensive remarks, make off-colored statements, or even attempt to verbally "corner" a "sinner" to get them to change. Nothing we do should be below the standard God set for us. People should not find fault with us…but, rather, see Christ Jesus in us.

If we look at 2 Corinthians 6:3 we will find a powerful verse because Paul says, "We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed." Paul says we should not be “the reason” (a stumbling block) as to why someone chooses to refuse God’s grace and the Gospel message. Our actions, reactions and interactions should not be such that it “discredits God of the Gospel.” We shouldn’t be the reason someone walks away unchanged or why they reject the Gospel.

Yes, I know sin is sin. Yes, I know we all sin...some more than others. But, I also know it is not my calling (nor anyone's) to purposely go around singling out people in order to confront them for no other purpose than to get some sort of satisfaction with pointing out to them "how sinful" their sin is "according to the Bible."

Please reconsider the long-term damage you could inflict upon someone when the urge hits to confront someone over their sin. Yes, the ugliness of sin is offensive, crude, vulgar, irritating, and swirls up countless negative emotions and feelings. But, remember who you are….Whoes you are….and Who (God) and what (The Gospel) you represent.

Besides, I can safely assume most people are already fully aware of their struggles, short-comings, and habits....and more than likely they could be at the critical point of making a change to correct those deficiencies.

What is 2 Corinthians 6:3 trying to say? Well….three words: DON'T BLOW IT! Don’t mess it all up by interfering with how the Holy Spirit may be working in the person's life by making an ill-timed, unwarranted critical statement to them. 

Work on loving them and reaching out to them. Don't be guilty of hating both the sinner and the sin....don't create an “offensive ministry.” God’s love, in us, “bears all things…and endures all things…and love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

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