In today’s world, people are often concerned about offending others. What does the Bible say about this? Scripture speaks to the importance of speaking the truth in love, but also warns against unnecessarily causing offense. Let’s explore the biblical balance between standing for truth and being considerate of others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Fathers And Daughters
What Does The Bible Say About Offending Others
Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of causing someone to stumble in their faith. It warns us of the severe consequences of leading others astray or causing them to sin. It cautions against reckless behavior that could harm the faith of those who are vulnerable or impressionable.
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!”
Jesus here acknowledges that stumbling blocks will inevitably arise in the world. However, He issues a stern warning to those who are responsible for causing others to stumble. It serves as a reminder that we should be cautious in our actions and strive not to be a stumbling block for others.
1 Corinthians 8:9
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
This verse highlights the importance of considering others when exercising our rights or freedoms. It urges us to be mindful of those whose faith may be weaker and emphasizes the need for love and unity within the Christian community. It reminds us to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of others over our personal liberties.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Paul encourages believers to refrain from judgment and to instead focus on unity and support. The verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could hinder the spiritual progress of fellow believers. It illustrates the significance of cultivating an environment of acceptance, understanding, and mutual edification.
Matthew 5:29
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”
This verse employs vivid imagery to emphasize the seriousness of removing anything that leads us into sin. It emphasizes the need for radical action in dealing with the things that tempt us. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being above all else, even if it means making drastic sacrifices.
1 Corinthians 10:32
“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the Church of God.”
This verse reminds us of our responsibility to be considerate and sensitive to the beliefs and backgrounds of others. It encourages us to avoid actions that might offend or hinder the spiritual growth of anyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background. It emphasizes the importance of promoting harmony and understanding among believers.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This wisdom verse teaches us the importance of preventing conflicts and being peacemakers. It highlights the destructive nature of starting quarrels and how it can escalate into something much worse. It reminds us to choose our battles wisely and to seek peace rather than engaging in unnecessary disputes.
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
This verse acknowledges the reality of human fallibility and urges us to be cautious with our words. It reminds us that we all make mistakes and that controlling our speech is a challenge. It encourages humility and self-reflection, reminding us to be mindful of the power our words hold and the potential impact they can have on others.
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
This verse highlights the difficulty in reconciling with someone who feels wronged. It emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts promptly and peacefully to avoid further damage to relationships. It serves as a reminder to approach conflicts with humility, seeking forgiveness and understanding.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse provides a clear directive to avoid all forms of evil. It highlights the need for discernment and self-control, encouraging believers to stay away from anything that could lead to sin or offend others. It prompts us to live a life that reflects our commitment to righteousness and purity.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
This verse underscores the importance of considering the welfare of others before our personal desires. It encourages us to abstain from activities or behaviors that could lead others astray or cause them to stumble in their faith. It teaches us to prioritize love and harmony within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 11:9
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
This verse warns against the destructive power of gossip and slander. It emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom and knowledge, which empowers the righteous to avoid engaging in harmful speech. It reminds us to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This verse, often referred to as the “Love Chapter,” provides a blueprint for how believers should treat one another. It reminds us to act in ways that honor and respect others, avoiding self-centeredness and anger. It teaches us to let go of grudges and forgive, fostering an environment of love and unity within the Christian community.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse draws attention to the power of words to either harm or heal. It cautions against speaking recklessly, as our words can deeply wound others. It encourages us to use wisdom and understanding when we speak, seeking to bring healing and encouragement instead of division or offense.
1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This passage serves as a reminder to believers to exhibit unity, empathy, love, compassion, and humility. It emphasizes the importance of responding to negativity with goodness, blessing, and forgiveness. It encourages us to rise above offense and strive to be a source of blessing in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of a gentle and kind response, which can diffuse conflict and prevent further anger. It encourages us to approach contentious situations with patience and to respond in a way that promotes understanding and resolution rather than escalating tensions. It promotes the cultivation of a peaceful and harmonious environment.
Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
This passage admonishes believers to embody Christ-like character traits, such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. It emphasizes the essential role of love in fostering unity and exemplifying the transformative power of the gospel. It serves as a guideline for relational conduct within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This passage provides a comprehensive list of behaviors that are detestable to the Lord. It includes actions such as pride, lying, violence, wicked plotting, eagerness to engage in evil, spreading falsehoods, and causing conflict. It serves as a call to live in a manner that pleases and honors God, avoiding behaviors that cause harm to others.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This verse reminds us of the destructive consequences of anger and a quick temper. It warns against actions that fuel conflict and result in sin. It encourages us to cultivate self-control, humility, and patience, avoiding actions driven by anger and promoting peace and harmony.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians, our freedom in Christ should not be used as an excuse for selfish or sinful behavior. Instead, it challenges us to humbly serve others in love. It encourages us to prioritize the well-being, growth, and spiritual journey of our fellow believers over our own desires.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of perverse behavior and gossip. It warns against actions or words that create conflicts and dismantle close relationships. It reminds us to strive for honesty, integrity, and loyalty in our interactions with others, promoting unity and trust within the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
This verse challenges believers to prioritize forgiveness and reconciliation over personal vindication. It encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions rather than engaging in legal disputes or seeking revenge. It reminds us to embody the sacrificial love of Christ, even when we have been wronged or deceived.
Proverbs 17:19
“Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.”
This proverb cautions against a quarrelsome and argumentative nature, which fosters an atmosphere of sin and leads to destruction. It encourages us to avoid engaging in unnecessary conflicts and to choose peace instead. It serves as a reminder to cultivate a spirit of harmony and understanding within our relationships with others.
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
This verse highlights the prohibition against slander, challenging believers not to speak ill of one another. It reminds us that such actions undermine the principles of God’s law and produce judgmental attitudes that contradict the spirit of Christianity. It prompts us to treat one another with respect and to speak words that build up rather than tear down.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse draws attention to the role of gossip in perpetuating quarrels and conflicts. It underscores the power of our words and the influence they can have on the atmosphere of relationships. It encourages us to refrain from gossip and to actively strive to diffuse tensions and promote peace within our interactions with others.