Don't be a jerk

Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 

1 Corinthians 10:32-33

Causing offence is almost an art for among some believers. Some seem to almost pride themselves in being jerks, or at least think it is not a big deal. Some think that contending for the faith, or our own adaptation, excuses offensiveness. What offers happens is that people seek to be offensive, they get someone to respond, then claim persecution. 

This offensiveness is the origin of much of the division in the church.  We are not going to all agree, and it is good that we talk through our differences, but they're is never a reason to give offence to my brother in Christ. Never. 

But this goes even further. It is dealing with those around us as well as believers. Paul says 'give no offence, to either Jews or Greeks or the church of God.' 

Chrisitans often must confront the world. We have to deal with the world and the world is often not going to like it. Often the message of the gospel is going to offend others. It is hard  To acknowledge that one is a sinner in need of Christ. 

Jesus said that offences were going to come, but woe to the one who causes offence. 

There is a difference. While the gospel may offend, there is no excuse for us to be offensive as we present it. I have known seen some really offensive Christians. It is bad enough to be a jerk, but a Christian jerk is so much worse. One guy I went visiting with would stick his foot in the door and not let the person close the door till he 'shared the gospel.' How can we expect anyone to hear our message when we act like offensive jerks? 

Simple little application here - don't be a jerk, ever.