Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

As we grow in Christ our speech changes. It is perhaps one of the more difficult transitions we make from being in the world to being in Christ, yet it does happen. I am amazed at how often I hear things spoken by people I consider to be mature, that offend or are misunderstood. Such a situation happened in Sunday School today.

One of the participants started off nearly every sentence with the word “But”. Before long another pointed out that he was being aggresive. Listening to his conversation closely from that point I discovered that his practice of leading off with the word “But” caused others to stop listening. His words were not being heard. He had turned people off by his approach.

Leading off a sentence like this makes it sound as if you are being dismissive. Beginning with “No” can have the same effect. Everyone has a reason for having an opinion. If error is offered, placing that person on the defensive is not the way to correction.

Nor is it the way to receive correction.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Just quote the scripture and allow the scripture to do the work. If they will not accept the scriptures, then no amount of words from your point of view is going to sway them. Using scripture will also remove any concerns you might have in avoiding accidental offense.