Let’s make a deal

Happy: I'd love to punch that guy in the face right now. But I can't, you know, because I'd get in trouble. I bet you get a lot of that on "Let's Make A Deal."
Bob Barker: It's "The Price Is Right," Happy.
Happy: [grimaces in embarrassment] Oh, yeah. Sorry.
Bob Barker: It happens. Let's play some golf.
Happy: Okay.

It can be easy to offend someone.

Whether it's forgetting what show they are the host or being very blunt, this can be a big problem.

People of all sorts offend for different reasons.

Some people might say, "That is just who I am and I am going to tell you the way it is."

They have to, "Keep it Real."

Others might say things that could offend people just to have a voice.

Christians often fall into the categories of this.

By taking the name Christian, we have to realize that this is offensive and not always in a good way.

Here are things Christians have done or said I don't agree with or have not done but I get wrapped into by taking the name…

• Protesting with signs, "God hates fags," at gay pride festivals.
  
• Protesting outside of abortion clinics with signs that say, "Do not murder."
  
• Protesting outside of a night club that used to be a Church.
  
• Openly complaining about the government or how this president in the past wasn't Christian with his actions.
  

How did I get wrapped into this?

This isn't my idea of faith.

Yet, I have to accept this fact that when I claim being a Christian, these are thoughts that run through people's heads.

People came to Jesus about paying the temple tax.

This is how he responds in Matthew 17 verse 27…

"…But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

While Jesus does perform a miracle to get the task, that is not the main point to me.

He did not want to offend them and rub them the wrong way.

While Jesus was not afraid to call someone out or be blunt with people, he did not want to offend them at this point.

Why do we think its okay to offend people?

I have heard Christians wrongly say, "Jesus offended people and that's what I need to do with my faith."

Christians offend people and think they are being real with them, then they will convert.

This rarely happens.

I have yet to see people convert after a street evangelist goes up to them and says, "Repent or go to hell."

Have you?

When did we become offensive and not in a good way?

My heart aches when I say something stupid or when I hear a Christian represent Christ in an offensive way.

How have you heard Christians being offensive?

What did they say?

How do we change this?

How can we do a better job at showing love?

Happy offended Bob in a little way, but Bob forgave him and moved on.

How can we move on from this bad image of Christianity?

We are first called to love not to offend.

What do you think?

Have a great day.