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Bible Will I Find: Repent, Because You Offended Me With Truth? By: Gary Colley
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Bible Will I Find: Repent, Because You Offended Me With Truth? By: Gary Colley
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On one church building sign was seen this statement: “It is more important to be kind than it is to be right.” Does this sound good to you? When it comes to one man’s opinion being better than another, this is true. However, when it comes to the revealed Truth of the New Testament, sealed with the blood of Christ, it is wrong. Kindness is important in the life of a Christian, and is one of the fruits or results of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us through the Word (Gal.3:1-6; 5:22-23; Eph.3:16-19; Jn.6:63). In regards to religious differences some consider it unkind for one to teach the Truth on such Bible subjects of baptism, faithfulness, etc., and consider the faithful teacher to have been unkind and “offensive.” Does the Bible condemn one who teaches firmly the Truth (allbeit in kindness) as being a sinner? Well, if so, this charge would make our Lord a sinner! However, we are told by inspiration that He “did no sin” (I Pet.2:22). The disciples came to Jesus saying, “Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” Jesus answered, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matt.15:12-14) To truly “offend” another is certainly sin according to the New Testament. It means to cause another to sin by our actions and example (Matt.18:6-7). It is a teaching or action that leads others to sin. Christians should always be ready and willing to repent when they have sinned, and to forgive when others repent of sins against them (Matt.18:15-17). If we refuse to forgive one who repents of sin against us, we can not expect God to forgive us when we repent (Matt.6:14-15; Acts 2:38). However, there are those who misunderstand this teaching, thinking that when one teaches or acts in a manner they do not like, but does not cause them to sin, this is an “offense” to them. They consider the “offender” to be an unkind sinner! In religion it is not WHO is right, but WHAT is right. We must not act in prejudice, in upholding a friend even when that friend is wrong! Since baptism is essential to salvation (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 10:34-35, 48), it must be taught, though some may say they are “offended.” In teaching the Truth on the one church today, some say “you ought to be kind and say nothing about my false religion or I will be ‘offended’” (Eph.1:22-23; 4:4). When additions are made to the worship, such as in adding a mechanical instrument of music, it may “offend” someone for us to teach the Truth on the matter. Teaching that it is wrong, though some consider it “unkind,” must be done, to spare one from eternal destruction (Rev.22:18-19). Is it not always more important to be kind than right!--Gary Colley