How To Share Your Faith Without Causing Offense

Are you afraid of offending people with your faith? It's a valid concern. The gospel asks for a person to change, and that can be a tough pill to swallow. Others might take offence at the need for a saviour or to bow to a lord. Jesus himself said that people would be angry at his message. So, what do you do? Do you choose comfort over Jesus, love, or yourself?

Choosing comfort over Jesus

Jesus commanded his followers to spread the word about him (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). However, many Christians are afraid to do so, as they fear offending others. This fear is understandable, as the gospel asks people to change, accept a Savior, and bow to a Lord. Indeed, Jesus himself said that people would be angry at his message (Luke 21:12-19).

Nevertheless, choosing comfort over Jesus is not in line with his teachings. Jesus gave up the infinite comfort of Heaven and endured a brutal death so that humanity could be saved from eternal punishment. Christians are called to share this message with others, even if it means sacrificing their own comfort.

Choosing Comfort Over Love

Sharing the gospel is an act of love, as it is the most important and awesome information someone could ever receive. By keeping this information to oneself, one is depriving others of the opportunity to know and embrace God.

Choosing Comfort Over Yourself

To truly experience God, one must be willing to step out of their comfort zone and join Him in His work. God is about rescuing the lost, and Christians are called to be a part of this mission. By putting their own comfort first, Christians may be missing out on the opportunity to grow in their faith and make a positive impact on the world.

Overcoming the Fear of Offending Others

It is important to remember that the gospel is meant to divide (Luke 17:1–4). Jesus himself often offended people with his teachings, particularly the Pharisees, who were angered by his message (Matthew 15:12).

When speaking to others about Jesus, it is crucial to do so in love and humility, while also being bold and speaking the truth. It is not wrong to offend others if it is the truth that offends, rather than one's attitude, actions, or approach.

Choosing comfort over love

The Priority of Love:

Love is a fundamental aspect of our lives and is often considered the greatest virtue. It is a choice to prioritise another person's highest good. When we choose comfort over love, we are essentially prioritising our personal ease and convenience over the needs and well-being of others. This can lead to a self-centred mindset that hinders meaningful connections and our ability to positively impact the lives of those around us.

The Impact of Fear:

Fear of offending others is a significant factor in choosing comfort over love. We may fear rejection, conflict, or losing relationships if we express our genuine beliefs or take a stand for what we know is right. This fear can cause us to remain silent or compromise our values to maintain comfort. However, it is important to recognise that speaking the truth in love sometimes involves the risk of offending others.

The Cost of Silence:

The Power of Love in Action:

Love is not just a feeling but a choice to act for the benefit of others. When we choose love over comfort, we demonstrate a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people, even if it means facing difficult conversations or potential conflict. This choice to love can be a powerful force for good, helping to build authentic relationships, foster understanding, and bring positive change.

The Need for Sensitivity and Wisdom:

While it is important to prioritise love over comfort, we must also exercise sensitivity and wisdom in how we express our beliefs. Being motivated by love and filled with the Holy Spirit enables us to listen well, meet people where they are, and communicate in a way that is respectful and compassionate. This approach can help disarm potential offence and create a safe space for meaningful dialogue.

The Ultimate Example of Love:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of choosing love over comfort. He left the comfort of Heaven to come to Earth, ultimately sacrificing His life for our salvation. His life demonstrates that love often requires sacrifice and that the impact of choosing love can be eternal. Following His example, we are called to lay down our lives for others, prioritising their needs above our desire for comfort and ease.

Choosing comfort over yourself

Choosing comfort over speaking biblical truths: It can be uncomfortable to speak hard biblical truths to others, especially when there is a risk of offending them. However, it is important to remember that speaking the truth in love is an act of love itself. By refraining from speaking the truth, we may be prioritising our own comfort over the other person's need to hear it. This can be a form of selfishness rather than true love. To overcome this, we must remember that our role is to be a witness to the truth and to trust that God will use it for His glory and the good of others.

Choosing comfort over personal growth: Sometimes, the things of this world can seem more tempting and tangible than the things of God. This can happen when we prioritise our own comfort and immediate gratification over the discipline and sacrifice that following God often requires. To overcome this, we can look for where God is at work and join Him. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zone and being open to His leading, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Choosing comfort over boldness: Sharing our faith with others can be intimidating, and we may be afraid of offending them or facing rejection. However, Jesus commanded us to spread the good news (Matthew 28:19-20). To obey this command, we must be bold and courageous, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zone. We can trust that God will use our obedience for His glory, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Choosing comfort over love: Fear of offending others can sometimes cause us to prioritise our own comfort over loving and serving others. We may refrain from sharing the gospel or helping someone in need because it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. To overcome this, we must remember that God calls us to love and serve others sacrificially, just as He loved us (John 3:16). This often involves stepping out of our comfort zone and putting the needs of others before our own.

Choosing comfort over humility: It can be easy to get caught up in our own desires and priorities, seeking our own comfort and pleasure. However, this can lead to a form of self-centredness and pride. To overcome this, we must cultivate a spirit of humility, recognising that we are not the centre of the universe and that our comfort is not the most important thing. We can serve and put others first, even when it means sacrificing our own comfort.

In conclusion, choosing comfort over ourselves can manifest in various ways, such as prioritising our own ease, desires, and convenience over speaking the truth, growing in our faith, obeying God's commands, loving and serving others, and cultivating humility. To overcome these tendencies, we must recognise them, surrender them to God, and actively choose to prioritise His will and the needs of others over our own comfort.

The fear of offending someone

Jesus himself faced opposition and anger for his message, and he instructs his followers to spread the word about him, even if it proves controversial. While it's important to be sensitive to others' thoughts and feelings, the most important information you can share is the gospel.

The Bible teaches that Christians will inevitably offend certain people by living according to God's truth. This doesn't mean that Christians should aim to offend or be insensitive, but rather that speaking hard, biblical truths may cause discomfort or anger in others. It's crucial to approach these conversations with love and humility, meeting people where they are and listening to their thoughts and experiences.

Additionally, it's important to remember that the Bible is not meant to be a feather duster but a sword – it has sharp edges and demands repentance and loyalty unto death. Jesus himself set the standard of the gospel and let those who couldn't meet it walk away.

So, while it's natural to want to avoid offending others, the greater cause of sharing your faith and glorifying God may require you to step out of your comfort zone. It's a delicate balance, but by prioritising love, humility and boldness, you can share your faith without compromising your beliefs.

The need for a saviour

However, this should not deter Christians from sharing their faith. Jesus commanded his followers to spread the word about him (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). He sacrificed his own comfort for the sake of others, enduring a brutal death so that people may have eternal life. Christians are called to follow his example and prioritise sharing the gospel over their own comfort.

It is important to remember that sharing one's faith is an act of love. While it may be uncomfortable, it is done out of a desire to see others come to know Jesus and experience eternal life. This was exemplified by Jesus, who always prioritised love over his own comfort, even unto death.

Additionally, Christians should not be afraid to speak hard, biblical truths. While it may offend some, it can also be the catalyst for someone to question their beliefs and turn to Christ. The Bible is likened to a sword (Ephesians 6:17), dividing truth from falsehood, and it is through this division that people can be reconciled to Christ.

When approaching others with biblical truth, it is important to do so in love and humility. Christians should examine their own hearts and ensure that their motivation is to glorify God and share his love with others. By doing so, they can confidently share their faith, trusting that God will use their words, even if they cause offence.

In conclusion, while the need for a saviour may offend some, Christians should not let this fear stop them from sharing their faith. By prioritising love and speaking the truth in humility, Christians can boldly proclaim the gospel, trusting that God will use their words to draw people to himself.

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