Some people seem to take offense at every word we say. They get upset because we think something different than they do, or they perceive we don’t really care about them as a person, or, the list could go on forever.
I must admit that there have been times that I would say, “That’s their problem” and move on. As I’ve grown older, and read the scripture below, I realize that by giving them occasion to take offense at something I’ve said, it could be an obstacle to them, as I claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
See what you think about Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:3. I have listed three different translations of the same verse for you to read:
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. (NKJV)
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. (NLT)
We don’t want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems. (CEV)
New King James says no offense in anything. Now that is all-inclusive, though I’m sure what is meant is we try to give no offense in anything.
The New Living Translation emphasizes that the way we live, whether good or bad, can cause an adverse reaction in others.
Lastly, the Contemporary English Version emphasizes the desire for no one to find fault and trying hard to see that they don’t.
We should try hard to give no offense to anyone in anything, whether through the way we live, the words we speak, or even the way we look at someone. Why? So that our ministry, our witness for our Lord Jesus Christ, is not compromised to the saved or to the unsaved. We won’t always be successful, but the Lord looks at the intentions of the heart.
SEEK FIRST THE
