You have to work hard to offend Christians. By
nature , Christians are the most forgiving,
understanding, and thoughtful group of people
I ’ ve ever dealt with. They never assume the
worst . They appreciate the importance of
having different perspectives. They ’ re slow to
anger , quick to forgive, and almost never make
rash judgments or act in anything less than a
spirit of total love… . No, wait — I ’ m thinking
of golden retrievers!

I laughed when I read this in an e- mail. But
having had experience with goldens— and
fellow Christians — I think it ’ s true that
sometimes believers are just too easily
offended ! “The choir director always gives her
the solos .” “The pastor didn’ t even look at me
when he shook my hand . ” “I do a lot around
here — people ought to appreciate me a little
more . ”

Anger . Resentment . Pride. Sure , issues between
believers do sometimes need to be addressed .
But what if we always tried to treat others the
way we want to be treated (Matt. 7 :12) ,
weren ’ t quick to judge others but forgave them
(Luke 6 :37) , and demonstrated a little humility?
(Phil . 2 : 3) .
And what if the world could actually recognize
that we are followers of Jesus by the love we
have “for one another ”? (John 13:35) . Is this
true of us ?