Do you think more offense is given or taken? This question can only be answered if there is an objective standard for what is offensive. An offense requires two parties, just like a transaction requires a buyer and a seller, and in this case neither side can claim to be loving and gracious. You are warned against giving offense in that it is better to be cast into the sea tied to a millstone than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. But if you would be truly gracious, then you can learn to overlook personal slights and offenses and not be offended by them.

Have you heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? There is a basis for this in that we seek to emulate that which we admire. It is an affirmative response to change your own behavior. Do you worship me? I am pleased to receive this, but did I ask my disciples to worship me or to follow me? I came to earth for many purposes, one of which was to provide an example for you to follow, and another was to enable you to do this. Worship can take many forms, and I am eager to accept them all.

Are you an evangelist? You may think this is an office and title but my Great Commission was given to all believers. Do you have a hobby or favorite pastime or team? Don’t you find it easy to talk to strangers about something you love and have enthusiasm for? You can patiently explain the details about why it is important to you and you don’t consider it a burden to do so. This is a universal principle for all activities, beliefs, and associations. So the concept of evangelism is inherent in the human spirit.

Do you have favorite teachers and authors? Are you prone to accept what they say with less scrutiny than others? On the other hand, are you skeptical of those without a ‘name’ and reputation, and more prone to reject what they say? I am not a respecter of persons and you should not be either, but I know this is hard for you. I promised that if you seek you would find. If you love the truth then seek it and rejoice when you find it. It doesn’t matter whose voice speaks it, or whose pen writes it down.