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Thursday, January 15, 2009

To Not Give Offense

A good rule of thumb is to not give offense to anyone who might offend you.

A little while back a friend of mine sent a news clip from Seattle, Washington of a pastor, in the state capital during the Christmas season, who was angry about an atheist sign being next to the Nativity scene. This pastor was so angry; he was practically salivating in vengeance as he yelled at those who supported the atheist sign, “You will all roast in hell like the pigs you are!”. Why does it seem the few who are the most vocal seem to paint the colors of majority to the public?

Obviously it is strange to have an atheist sign right next to the nativity scene but why give it the power to be offensive. It is RIGHT next to the nativity scene – WHAT better place to have an atheist sign during the Christmas season.

People can read the atheist sign and then they can walk pass that nativity scene and wonder why a baby in a manger is SO important. For those who forget themselves like that Pastor, we drink from the cup of Christ not from the wrath and condemnation of demons. We aren’t living in the dark ages and we aren’t people rulers. We are not to judge even though we know some are wrong. We are to be merciful, just, and faithful to God and love those around us in hopes they too will come to Christ.

I was thinking, the situation in Olympia, Washington at the capital building must have been similar to what Paul witnessed in the Greek empire with all their different gods being represented.

Paul however didn’t get upset and condemn anyone he just simply spoke in what the Holy Spirit led him to speak and the Holy Spirit gave the people full assurance and confidence that what Paul said was true. (1 Thessalonians)

Colossians 3:12 says .... “Since God chose you to be the Holy people whom he loves, you must clothes yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You must forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be a representative of the Lord Jesus, all while giving thanks through him to the God the Father.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

1 Corinthians 10:32 “Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me. But what is best for them as they may be saved. And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.”

What IS best for them? To act in bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander and vengeance? Or depend on the Holy Spirit in which God has given us -so to respond, as Christ would want us to respond. To love God with all our heart, mind and soul is to obey not just listen. We are to love our neighbors, friends, and relatives as ourselves.

Sure it foolish to believe in some of the things some people believe in but weren’t we all once foolish in believing in such things once?

Jesus says, “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.” (Matthew 7)

If that wasn’t enough to not give offense… these too are from Jesus. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness falls on the obedience, surrender and trust of Christ.

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