The Value of Offense

These days we are told getting offended is one of the worst things that can happen to us. As such, we go out of our way to avoid being offended and likewise offending others. To make offenses sound even worse, we’ve created a new buzzword for them: microaggressions, and God help you if you cause them!

Why these days, you don’t even have to say anything to offend! You can smile the wrong way (Orwell called this “face crime.”) You can even offend someone with your very existence if you are part of the wrong, “privileged” group.

But what if there was value in offense? What if they don’t want you offended because being offended can help you grow?

Jesus offended people with stories, names, and even His own philosophy. He also made no apologies for it. He called the elites of his day “snakes and vipers.” He offended a banking system by cracking a whip and turning over its tables. He told a rich man he had to part with his riches and informed his followers they had to resort to what looked like cannibalism.

Talk about offensive!

But it was all said and done for a purpose-the betterment and ultimate salvation of mankind. Offense might be uncomfortable, but it is not a horrible thing. Without offense, what would challenge our worldview, or save us from a potentially disastrous end? What would correct us when we are wrong-thus inspiring us to live up to our full potential?

Consider this:
If you see a friend headed for ruin, you try to stop them. If your mother is an alcoholic, you contact AA. If your cousin is a drug addict, you hold an intervention. You tell them they’re wrong. You shake them awake. You slap them (verbally as well as physically sometimes). You offend. And you do it out of love.

I offend people with my writing. To the left, it is very offensive. But I don’t offend for the sake of offending. I offend so people can be better. Do better. Act better.

Offending others and being offended isn’t’ comfortable, but the path to self-destruction is even worse. Not living up to your full potential is also similarly tragic. In order to get where we’re going, we must “be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Offense is a step above constructive criticism and one of the things needed to achieve that perfection. And while I don’t know for sure, I suspect the elites know this.

Don’t let them take it from you.