Politically correct or Gracious?

Do you ever tire of all this political correctness in our society lately?

I do.

Sometimes it drives me crazy how no one can just come out and say something is wrong anymore. Everything is relative.

But, it's like everything else in life, there's got to be balance. I want to be straight forward, but I want to work together with people, not against them. I want to be honest, but do it in a gracious manner. I've also learned that sometimes it is best to be silent. I do not have to state that I think something or someone is wrong, nor do I have to affirm and make it OK, I can just remain silent.

I adore the apostle Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:4-5 (MSG):

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

One of the conclusions this verse causes me to draw is that having that balance needs to start with God. If He's the focus of my life, and I'm enjoying and celebrating Him, then my mind is clear to be able to deal rightly with the people in my life.

I believe that one of the ways I can celebrate God is to appreciate His creation; and part of his creation is people. If I sincerely appreciate who people are, they can feel it. I never want to have an agenda when dealing with people, to pretend to be someone's friend so I can "sell him the gospel". I think that sometimes as Christians we fail to just be friends with people and see them as potential converts instead. I want to befriend someone because I like him, can appreciate him. Then, because of both that sincere feeling as well as the fact that God is real in my life, of course I'll share good news as a natural part of life.

Recently John, my husband, and I have had some opportunities to reach out to new people who've come into our lives. Since I really like to cook and have people over, we've invited these new people to a BBQ at our house. Once it was a new couple and the other time it was the guys (and their significant others, kids, etc.) who worked on our house. Both times the people seemed wary at first, but then by the end of our time together they were relaxed and happy, they came to realize that all we wanted to do was hang out and enjoy their company and give them a good meal.

What are ways that you let people you come in contact with daily know that you're on their side?