Give no offense?

Maybe it is just a difference in style or maybe I am taking it out of context but I don't agree with what Paul is saying here.  Give no offense and try to please all men in all things?

That seems to be the direct opposite to what Jesus did.  Jesus was kind to people and tried to attract them to Him but there were times that Jesus did give offense and He didn't try to be all things to all people. 

1 Corinthians 10:32-33(NKJV)

Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 

just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Now I think what Paul is saying here is that he doesn't want to drive a single person away from Christ so Paul is going to try and be all things to all people to avoid doing that.  Seems like a noble intention.  But is that how Jesus conducted His ministry?  And aren't we supposed to model Jesus?  After all, isn't the question, "what would Jesus do?".

There are several places in the Gospel where Jesus was deliberately offensive and refused to be all things to all people.  I'm thinking specifically of the times where the church leaders would question Him and Jesus didn't give a mealy mouthed answer trying to appeal to these people.  Jesus hit them right between the eyes verbally with some truth!  It offended them! 

I personally think that what Paul is advocating is part of what is wrong with the modern day church.  The message of Jesus continues to be watered down so as not to offend and drive people away. 

Now some might say that only Jesus has the insight and the ability to decide when to offend and when not to.  They might say that the rest of us, since we don't have that ability, should just do everything we can to attract people.

I again would disagree.  We do have the ability to make that discernment with some people.  Who might those people be?  Those who actively and belligerently oppose Jesus for one.  With those people we aren't making a judgement about them.  They have voluntarily identified themselves as enemies of God and are actively involved in trying to tear down Jesus.

I believe that we need to stand up to those people just as Jesus did.  I think it is important that other non-believers see that there are limits and standards. 

But what about "love your enemies"?  What about it?  I didn't say anything about hating these people.  In fact I don't think there is any better way of showing your love to them then to take them on with the truth.  If you truly love them then speak the truth to them, even if it offends and drives them away.  Why?  Because if they don't accept Jesus we know they are going to hell.  If you soften the message so as not to offend and they end up never believing, how loving was that? 

Your love is demonstrated in speaking truth to them and trying to save them.  If they chose to reject that love then it is on them.  But to avoid speaking the truth to them so as not to offend is wrong in my opinion.