Growing up in Church, my preacher warned that we should never sugarcoat the Gospel. I have heard that same phrase used hundreds of times since I entered the ministry. The statement was born from the concern that some Churches, preachers, and teachers say things to make the message of Jesus sound sweet when, in reality, it is a call to die to our old self so that we can walk in new life. The implication is that the Christian faith is a difficult life, and don’t let anyone tell you it is easy.

In the past several years of my ministry, I have encountered numerous people who suffered at the hands of Church leaders who were abusive, manipulative, and mean in the name of Jesus. Their desire to not sugarcoat the Gospel has made them angry, confrontive, and negative. The Gospel they preached was raw and aggressive, with not one drop of sweetness.

One part of my ministry has been to offer help, hope, and healing to those who have been hurt by people in the Church. I frequently apologize for the behavior of others in my position. I always offer sympathy and compassion. More than once, I held out the tissue box so that we could both have a good cry. Numerous believers carry the pain and confusion that has come from well-intended leaders.  

I remind those people that the heart of the Gospel is good news. Jesus came with compassion and offered guidance to the harassed and helpless (Mt. 9:36). He invited all who were weary and burdened to come to him, and he would give them rest (Mt. 11:28). Jesus is described as one who would not break a bruised reed (Mt. 12:20). In addition, a Christian is called to love his neighbor (Mt. 19:19) and one another (1 Jn 3:23). Together believers carry one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2) while encouraging one another and building each other up (1 Thes. 5:11). There is such a sweet spirit in the gospel message to everyone hurting.

Jesus does call people to leave their sins and change their lives; I am not denying that fact. The Christian life is a difficult journey filled with tough choices. But it also contains sweet words for the soul. It is a message of help and healing, too. Saying that does not mean I am trying to sugarcoat the Gospel; rather, I am preaching a complete gospel.