CHRISTIAN SENSITIVITY

Deference is an area in which evangelical or

fundamental Christians are often weak. We glory in our

"freedom in Christ", and forget sometimes that what we may

indulge in with moderation will be excused in excess by

those who observe us, including our children.

While refusing to compromise on matters central to the

gospel (see Galatians 2:5), the apostle Paul voluntarily

limited his freedoms in other areas in order to reach as

many people as possible with the gospel.

He wrote, "Though I am free, and belong to no man, I

make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as

possible." (I Corinthians 9:19 NIV)

In the context of what he wrote to the church at

Corinth, Paul said that he was willing to adapt to a wide

variety of circumstances and conditions in order to

minimize objections to his person or his message.

We Christians are sometimes guilty of a lack of

sensitivity to other Christian groups or the culture or

customs or preferences of people we are trying to reach

with the gospel.

Some of the most common areas of sensitivity are modes

of relating to the opposite sex, the handling of money and

food, appropriate subjects for humor, and ways of

discussing differences between racial and cultural groups.

Let's learn how to put our Christianity into practice

by simply being considerate and kind to the people around

us.

Our message is much more than "Be Nice," but if we

"come over" as being insensitive and obnoxious, nobody will

listen to us when we speak of God's love in the Lord Jesus

Christ.

Our message is important enough to put on a tie, and

if necessary, endure a shave and a haircut.

We would like to "win" you over, too. Our message is

based on the Bible, and we invite you to start reading in

the New Testament.

[Clyde Price, Arrows4]

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