by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author

I love words. And since you’re reading a blog about writing, I’m going to make an assumption that you’re rather fond of them as well.

Words are tools, and in the hands of someone who follows Jesus and understands the power of communication, they can be a gift that uplifts, enriches, and encourages others. Words in the hands of those with wicked intentions can be immensely destructive.

I’ve been writing books and stories for 30 years, and every time I put something new out into the world, I worry. I worry that something I wrote won’t be clear enough or coherent enough to communicate the point of the story. I worry that the story itself will be a distraction. I worry that I could have done better.

But in the last few years, I’ve started worrying about something new, something I didn’t used to worry about. Offending people.

We live in a world that loves to be offended. We’re inundated by videos and newsreels of riots and public tantrums as a result of something someone else said or did. It’s become popular to be offended—or at least it’s become newsworthy.

The idea that I could hurt someone’s feelings because of something I wrote has petrified me since I started writing. But I think there should be a distinction between hurting someone’s feelings and the modern-day idea of being offended.

It has never been “easy” to be a Christian communicator. But ten years ago, even five years ago, most people who disagreed with our faith and beliefs would simply move on or ignore us. People who weren’t interested or didn’t believe the same would just try a different author or speaker, but that’s not the case anymore. The world we live in now feels more combative and aggressively anti-Christian than ever.

And opposition doesn’t just come from the world. Others who claim to know Jesus can come at us just as hard if they don’t agree with our theology or our interpretations of Scripture. And that’s not to say that accountability isn’t needed. Not at all. If you say you follow Jesus and you’re presenting material that contradicts the Bible, there ought to be some pushback. But more and more that’s not what we’re seeing. It’s not biblical accuracy people want. They don’t want to offend anyone.

May I gently remind all of us who claim Jesus as Lord that if you truly follow Christ, you will offend people. If you speak Truth, the only real Truth out of God’s Word, you will make people uncomfortable. You’ll probably make them angry, now more than ever.

We’re surrounded by a culture that wants to see God as a magical wish-granting genie. Or they want to see Jesus as the peaceful shepherd who loves everyone and accepts everyone exactly the way they are and wouldn’t ever think of questioning their lifestyle choices.

I don’t want to start a fight, but I’m also tired of worrying. I’m tired of being afraid of the “damage”that speaking truth will do. And earlier this week, I was reading Matthew 10, and I heard very clearly something I think I’ve needed to hear all my life:

Don’t worry about your words.

If you know Jesus, when you set out to tell your story, you are going to upset people, because truth upsets people. Jesus—the real Jesus—upsets people. The real Jesus divides people. So when that happens (not if), see it for what it is: an opportunity.

Don’t get mad. Don’t lash out in anger or hurt. Don’t be surprised, and don’t hide in fear. When the world questions you about what you’ve written, be ready. This is your chance to tell the world why you’re writing what you’re writing. It’s your opportunity to tell others about Jesus, to introduce them to who He really is.

Yeah, it’s a big responsibility, but in those moments, God will give you the words you need to say or write. He won’t leave you to face conflict alone.

Write the story God has called you to write. Don’t avoid it or ignore it because you’re afraid of offending people. If your goal is to tell the Truth, offending people will happen no matter what. Don’t seek to offend, obviously, but don’t be surprised when it happens.

Write your story. Don’t worry about your words. Trust Jesus, and God will give you the words you need when you need them.

Award-winning author A.C. Williams is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks won’t match. She has authored eight novels, three novellas, three devotional books, and more flash fiction than you can shake a stick at. A senior partner at Uncommon Universes Press, she is passionate about stories and the authors who write them. Learn more about her book coaching and follow her adventures online at www.amycwilliams.com.