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Writer's pictureBible Brian

A Christian who is afraid to offend you is not your friend


Christianity has always been offensive to the world. In fact, this is the very reason they crucified Jesus to begin with. He told people a message they found offensive, and so they violently judged Him for it.

In the modern day, at least in the Western world, people rarely resort to violence against their enemies for offending them (although this is gaining popularity in recent years). In fact, it is typically frowned upon by the law. This doesn't stop people from expressing their grievances. Christians are called hateful bigots because we believe the Bible. We are told that if we do believe the Bible, we should never express that belief. Everyone else can act on their beliefs, of course. Just not Christians.


But here's the thing: As Christians, we not only believe you are in mortal danger, but we also believe we have the remedy. Indeed, this is the very message you find so offensive. Now, if we believe you are in mortal danger, and we believe we have the remedy, is it really loving not to give it to you in case you find it offensive? Can you think of any other scenario where letting someone destroy themselves is preferable to offending them? If your answer is yes, I am highly offended, and I insist you keep your bigoted opinions to yourself.

But if your answer is no, you really ought to shut up anyway. Christians aren't hateful for testifying that you are a sinner in need of the grace of God. Even if it wasn't true, it would still be loving to say it because we believe it is. If you meet someone who cares more about your approval than your health, your life or your eternal soul, you have found someone who hates you. There is nothing more hateful than to believe you can save someone from Hell, but let them walk right in anyway.

And so I am going to tell you the message you find so offensive, and I am going to tell you not because I hate you and want to oppress you (as if my words could do that anyway), but because I love you and I want you to have the brightest future, from the minute you finish reading this to the last minute in the Kingdom of Heaven. The message is that you are a sinner. You have offended God in many ways from the day you became morally accountable. These sins must be paid for. But not necessarily by you. To be sure, that is an option available to you. If you so desire, you have every right to die and be condemned to Hell forever. But there is an alternative. Jesus died, receiving the full wrath of God on your behalf, and rose again so that you can inherit eternal life. All you have to do is confess Him as Lord, and believe He rose again, and you will be saved. Was that really so offensive?

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