I’ve been inspired by the book The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons. One of its most profound messages is that Christians who are serious about restoring the broken are not “offended” by their depraved lifestyles. Rather than condemn and pull away from people whose lives are messed up after years of drug abuse, sexual immorality, or greedy materialism, Lyons says we should meet people where they are. This includes reaching out and offering the hope of restoration found in Jesus.
Instead of running from the messiness that might typically offend some, we should run into the mess. For example, my daughter recently spent 2 months going into bars in Thailand declaring God’s love to the young women trapped in the sex-trade industry.
Christians who don’t get offended by the world take their cues from Jesus Himself. He wasn’t offended by everyday sinners, social outcasts, or outsiders. The woman caught in adultery didn’t offend Jesus (John 8:3-11). Neither did the leper who asked for healing (Matthew 8:1-4), the wealthy tax collector everyone hated (Luke 19:2-10), nor the woman with an immoral reputation who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50).
Even a Roman centurion didn’t offend Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army. They provided the muscle that enforced Rome’s occupation of the Jews and would eventually carry out Jesus’ execution. But Jesus wasn’t put off when the officer asked Him to heal his servant. In fact, He publicly praised his faith (Matthew 8:10).
Jesus, may our desire to see and engage people (faults and all) as You did be stronger than our urge to become offended and pull away.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 20:1-19
More:
Read Romans 6:14 and note what it says about believers in Jesus and what they “live under.”
Next:
What sins of the world tend to offend you most? Where might God be calling you to be less offended and more engaged in ministry?
alli on August 25, 2013 at 1:15 am
I think im most offended by the centurian. Crime, and other sick smelly crimes dont really as much they make me sad for the person committing the crimes i think why? But those that know hate me or are out to get me im the most offended by. Being discriminated against for superficial things makes me offended. So when God asks me to love the racist or the jealous person who wants my stuff i get offended like why do they need God too. Everyone needs God
alli on August 25, 2013 at 1:19 am
We tend to compartmentalize sins baseds on why we like or whats personal to us. If im a liar i might go easy on you, but if im unwilling to admit im greedy i might not b wiling to forgive u. Like david, if he thought he was an adulterer perhaps hed have mercy when confronted by nathan
janntee on August 25, 2013 at 3:36 am
When I was fund raising I met many people and it was always those who the world would condemn who gave the most. they gave their last penny, the offered sympathy and compassion, a kind word. Those with money would look at us with distaste and shake their heads, and the excuses they made. ‘Sorry love but we are going abroad nest week.’ We had to smile and move on because of the job we were doing, wondering how they would feel if what we were collecting for happened to them or a loved one. Yet at the end of every event those who had their own set of problems would turn out their pockets and give their last penny or donate taxi fare. Goes to prove wealth can’t get you to heaven and those we may want to judge often have better heats than us. People need God, it is our duty to show the way in love.
davidbloomfield on August 25, 2013 at 3:59 am
Jesus often told us to do difficult things. I think the main question should always be, “What would Jesus do?” Not always easy to answer, but then guided by the Holy Spirit, do it.
ehdlive on August 25, 2013 at 12:02 pm
We should not write off anyone, ‘coz everyone needs the Saviour.
winn collier on August 27, 2013 at 4:03 pm
I’d love to hear more about your daughter’s experiences, Jeff. Maybe another piece, just telling a bit of the story.