Kenny Luck in DREAM says, “To deliver God’s GRACE on earth, this was the criteria: honest need.” He was talking about Jesus. Think about this, how many people did Jesus offend just by providing for someone else’s need? Offended the Pharisees when he healed a blind man on the Sabbath. Offended even the wine steward at the wedding by providing the best wine at the end of the party. Offended the religious people when he partied with Matthew. Offended the Jews when he touched a leper. Offended the Pharisees again when he offered forgiveness. Offended his own family when they thought he was acting a fool. Offended Peter when he washed his feet. Offended his parents when he stayed behind at the Temple. Offended the disciples when he was talking to the woman at the well, even though they knew better than to question him.  

Jesus offended a lot of people when you think about it. Church Planters are a lot like Jesus. Church Planters offend a lot of people, especially if you don’t do things the normal way. Church Planters offend some when they meet in schools. Church planters offend religious people sometimes when they see a “sinner” serving. Church Planters offend some people because they hang around and feel comfortable with non-believers. Church Planters offend churches when they touch the lives of people they wouldn’t dare invite to their church.

Church Planters should always consider if this is an honest need. If there is a need and you can extend GRACE, then you ought to extend GRACE. I think the Bible says something about if you have the means to meet someone’s need and don’t then that is sin. (jim’s paraphrase) It’s not what people think about you. It’s not what some denominational leader, church leader, or deacon thinks about you. The standard I believe is that you extend the GRACE that you received to those needing GRACE. What kind of church would we build if we acted that way today. Meeting honest needs through God’s GRACE. Help us be more like Jesus and offend some folks this week.