This is one of those things that I don't know whether to laugh or cry about. Every Sunday I come prepared with about 6 pages of notes (approx 2500 words). Regardless of the topic, it always seems like people interpret a talk the way they want to interpret it. For people who are easily offended, they find something offensive about every message. For people who are filled with grace, I could tell them that I HATE their kids and they would laugh 'cause they'd assume I'm joking or that I must have never met their kids!

Now to be fair, there are definitely times in which I am not clear in my communication. In those moments, I have no one to blame but myself. Often, however, I've found that people simply interpret things based on their personality or the mood they are in that day. I don't know that there is much I can do about this, so here are some rules I live by:

1) I NEVER apologize for something that I'm not truly sorry about.

2) If someone disagrees with a theological statement I've made, I ask them to show me how Scripture supports their view.

3) I don't mind bringing clarity to something, but not if the person talking w/ me is looking for an argument. I can usually figure this out in the first 15 seconds of a conversation. Demeanor and tone of voice is everything.

If your pastime is to criticize or tear apart the words of other people... GET A FREAKIN' LIFE! That being said, I think we'd all do well to follow the words of Proverbs 21:23, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."

-Dave

PS - If you're easily offended, please do not watch the video below. It is definitely college level humor.