Just make sure that it's the gospel that is the real offense, not the presentation of it.
Some years ago, some college kids got the bright idea of the "Jesus Bomb". The "Jesus Bomb" was a paper with a "4 step" gospel presentation on one side and some verses on the other side. The paper was then wadded up, and was thrown at people walking by.
Surprisingly enough, some folks really took offense at having wadded up paper thrown at them as they were walking by. The not-so-bright college kids tried to write it off that it was the gospel that was the true offense, not the fact that they were essentially assaulting people by throwing litter at them.
There are also those so-called "ministers" of the gospel who like to do things like hang out outside of gay bars and shout the "truth", things like "GOD HATES FAGGOTS" and "YOU'RE GOING TO BURN IN HELL" at the patrons of the bar. Again, they try to excuse their rude and offensive behavior by saying that it's the gospel that is the offensive, not their yelling at people who are just going about their own business.
Then there are those misguided sorts that try to excuse their name-calling and mud-slinging by pointing out that Jesus called the Pharisees vipers. This would OK,
if they walked the walk that Jesus walked (are free of
all sin). Unfortunately , too many who try the old "Jesus called people vipers so it's OK for me to do so as well" are not accurately reading the hearts of their fellow man (something only Jesus can do), but rather are just blasting away at those who are of a different opinion than them.
A lot of that happens around here. Too much actually. Way, way too much. We are to speak the truth in love. A loving presentation of the truth can win hearts. We are told all over the place in the scriptures to give a soft answer, to go to an erring brother in private, to be gentle as doves. And far too often when harsh words stir up anger that is blasted out on the open forum that causes dissension and even more mud-slinging, those speaking the harsh words try to hide behind the "truth is offensive" routine.
Yeah, try that one on God.
btw, shad, don't take a thing I said up here as being directed at you personally by any means. I just wanted to add a contrast to your words, on a subject that has, more than once, caused me to rethink even remaining a member at this site.
