How to Have Confidence and Unoffendable Faith
Today, it feels like we're more divided than ever, doesn't it? Everywhere we look, there's conflict and disagreement, whether cultural, political, or personal. But as followers of Jesus, we're called to rise above this division. We're invited to stand confidently in our faith and to love unconditionally, no matter the differences we face. This might sound challenging, but it's exactly what our world needs right now—believers who are unoffendable, who can disagree yet still love deeply.
How can we embrace this confident, unoffendable faith and make a real difference in our divided world? We start with a foundation in Jesus and His promises.
The Foundation of Our Confidence
So, how do we build this confident, unoffendable faith? It starts with the promises Jesus made to us. One of the most powerful promises He gave is found in Matthew 28:16-20, often referred to as the Great Commission. Here, Jesus assures His followers that nothing can stop His mission.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Isn't that incredibly reassuring? Jesus starts by reminding us that He has all authority in heaven and on earth. That means there is nothing outside His control. When we remember that Jesus has ultimate authority, we can stand confidently in our faith, knowing that His mission will succeed no matter what obstacles come.
Jesus then commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This isn't just a suggestion—it's a mission He's entrusted to each of us. And He promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age. That means we’re never alone in this journey. Jesus is right there with us, guiding and empowering us as we share His love with the world.
This promise gives us a rock-solid foundation for our confidence. With Jesus' authority backing us and His presence always with us, we can boldly step out in faith. No matter what cultural or political challenges come our way, we know that Jesus' mission cannot be thwarted. This assurance allows us to be unoffendable, to disagree without losing sight of our ultimate goal—to love and make disciples.
This movement was never about gaining influence and power.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The foundation of our confidence is Jesus’ and His promises. But He doesn’t leave us there. Instead, He empowers us to live in confidence. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His followers, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Think about that for a second. Jesus is saying that the same power that raised Him from the dead is available to us through the Holy Spirit. This isn't just about feeling strong; it's about having divine power to face challenges, overcome fears, and speak boldly about our faith. The Holy Spirit equips us to handle disagreements and conflicts with grace and courage. It’s this divine empowerment that enables us to be unoffendable, to stand firm in our beliefs while still loving others deeply.
Being Unoffendable in Our Faith
One of the best examples of being unoffendable comes from Peter's vision in Acts 10:28. Peter, a devout Jew, had grown up with certain cultural and religious boundaries. But God showed him in a vision that he should not call anyone impure or unclean.
This was a radical shift for Peter, and it illustrates the broader call to love unconditionally, transcending cultural and political differences. This revelation allows us to approach each person with love and respect, regardless of our differences. It challenges us to see beyond our own biases and to embrace a more inclusive, unoffendable love.
Removing Barriers to Faith
The early church faced a significant challenge: how to integrate Gentile believers. In Acts 15:19, the apostles made a groundbreaking decision: “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”
This decision was pivotal. It showed the early church's commitment to removing barriers that hinder people from coming to faith. We can learn a lot from this. Instead of creating obstacles, we should focus on fostering unity and making it easier for others to find and follow Jesus. This means letting go of prejudices, avoiding unnecessary divisions, and prioritizing love and acceptance.
Living Out Confidence and Unoffendable Love
So, how do we put this into practice in our everyday lives? Here are a few practical steps:
Engage in Respectful Conversations: When disagreements arise, approach them with a heart of understanding and respect. Listen more than you speak, and seek to understand the other person's perspective.
Show Unconditional Love and Grace: Be quick to forgive and slow to take offense. Remember that everyone is made in the image of God, and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Stand Firm in Faith: Be confident in your beliefs, but remain open to learning and growing. Don’t be afraid to share your faith boldly, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers you.
By doing these things, we can live out a confident, unoffendable faith that makes a real difference in our divided world.
In today’s world, where division and conflict are rampant, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He calls us to be confident in our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and unoffendable in our love for others. By embracing these principles, we can reflect Jesus' love and make a lasting impact.
Interested unhearing more on this topic? Check out or recent series, What Our World Needs Now, available in your favorite podcasting app or in our Centerpoint Media Library.
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey to finding yours. Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.