Life-saving Truth

My dad took me out for a high class meal at Taco Bell the other day. Just as we reached the door, a homeless man stepped up to me and asked if I could spare a dollar. Since I came with my dad, I left my money in my car back at the church, so I asked my dad if he had a dollar for the guy. Instead of giving him money, he said, "Are you hungry? Come on in, and I'll buy you lunch." The man came in with us and ordered on our tab.

My dad never ceases to amaze me. He is very rough round the edges - not the typical person you'd see ushering at church on Sunday. Sometimes he even falls asleep during the sermon. But one thing my dad has that a lot of church-goers don't is a real understanding of the truth. He knows the gospel, and he knows that those who don't will go to hell. Many times, I've seen him strike up a conversation with a stranger, and within five minutes he's told them the good news the we can be reconciled to God because of Jesus' death on the cross. People give mixed reactions, but more positive ones than you'd think. He never sugar-coats the truth. "You're a sinner," he'll say, "and so am I. But let me tell you how you can be forgiven..." He doesn't worry about offending people, he worries that he might meet someone and never tell them the truth that could save their life.

The gospel is offensive. The Bible even says it is. But it is true, and it is vital that we tell it to people (Romans 10:13-14). We should all be more like my dad. Go ahead. Offend someone with the words of life. If you love them, that's the first thing you'll do.