Just like at your last family reunion, when a large group of people gets together- there are going to be a lot of emotions.

The Olympics is an event that bring the world together and while there are always amazing displays of camaraderie and international cooperation, there are also many opinions, emotions, and critiques. My social feed, probably like yours, has been full of responses to the 2024 Opening Ceremonies. Some people are offended, others are offended by those who are offended, and soon enough, there will be those who are offended by the offended by the offended. (I hope I included enough “offendeds” there!)

Whether it’s a family gathering, your social feed, or a looming political discussion, Christians are called to a higher standard. Let’s gain perspective together so we can have loving and emotionally mature responses to difficult topics. Here are three things we need to embrace to be “un-offendable” Christians who bring people closer to Jesus with their words instead of push them away:

Personal Perspective: It doesn’t have to be “us” vs. “them.”

When I was young, I was part of a very conservative Christian group. We spent a lot of time being “offended” by how others did things, even other Christians. I often wondered why we were so bothered by the actions of others and why everything had to be “us” versus “them.” Now, thirty years later, the world seems even more divided.

The Apostle Paul has wise advice for us:

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” – Romans 14:1 NLT

The main point here is simple: don’t argue. Paul goes on to say in Romans 14:10: “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Scripture calls us to be unified as followers of Christ. Paul wraps up his message by saying in Romans 14:13: “So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”

We need to start with how we treat each other. There’s no room for arguing, looking down on others, or condemning them. Even when we disagree with someone, we are still called to treat them with respect and love. We need to understand the foundations of our faith that the Bible teaches well enough not to let differences distract us from loving Jesus more and loving others well.

When it comes to those outside of the Christian faith, the Bible tells us not to be surprised by challenges:

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT

Peter wrote this to a church that was persecuted and forced out of their homes (1 Peter 1:1). He urged them to expect trials and honor the chance to suffer alongside Christ.

If we focus on these teachings, how might it change the way we interact on social media and at family gatherings? Let’s aim to bridge divides with respect and love, not deepen them with arguments and condemnation.

Emotional Maturity: Knowing the right time to speak up.

Even at my age, it’s still a challenge to talk about maturity, knowing I have many areas to grow in. However, the Bible offers valuable guidance on this topic that is worth considering. Maturity begins with seeking God for wisdom.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5 NLT

An emotionally mature person understands the importance of seeking God’s wisdom before speaking. James continues in James 1:19 (NLT), “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” A quick response, whether in person or online, rarely resolves issues effectively. When we question the right time to speak, the answer often isn’t “right now.”

Maturity also involves testing our responses. Here are a few key questions to consider before speaking up:

Is our response truth that’s said in love? Ephesians 4:15
Does what I am about to say produce peace and unity? Romans 14:19
What are my motives in my response? Proverbs 16:2

Active Love: Allowing the Gospel to change my actions.

When was the last time someone made you feel threatened or under scrutiny?

The book, Jesus Outside the Lines, makes an important point:

“The possibility that someone might be judging us is unnerving and is something that we want to escape as quickly as possible. We run from criticism, even constructive criticism because we know that a single word of criticism possesses more emotional power over us than a thousand praises.” – Scott Sauls

God wants to use your words to draw people to Jesus, not to push them away or make them think you are irrational.

Consider the recent response to the opening of the Olympics… some media described the response as a “ridiculous moral panic.” Regardless of whether you agree with the news outlets, it’s important to listen and respond thoughtfully, guided by Paul’s words to the church at Colossae:

“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” – Colossians 4:6 NLT

What stood out about the early church wasn’t that they had a platform to preach from, but that people were amazed by their love for one another, their care for the marginalized, and their support for those in need. As a result, many came to know Jesus.

“Being ‘un-offendable’ as a Christian means embracing a profound freedom- the freedom that comes from living in the grace and love of Jesus Christ and the assured confidence that all wrong will eventually be made right. If the ceremony offended you, get with Jesus about it. If people’s offense to the ceremony offended you, get with Jesus about it. But chronically offended Christians are not winning more people to the heart of Jesus.” – Shannon Scott

That’s the beautiful thing about prayer– when controversy comes, God is ready to listen to our complaints, offenses, and heart cries. The world needs more “un-offendable” Christians, could that start with you?

3 Biblical Lessons on Conflict | Louie Giglio & Lecrae