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).