I was reflecting more on why that is offensive, and it has to do with love. How would you like it if I referred to your wife an it (It?)? One of the more significant verses in the Bible (maybe not for those who want to “unhitch” the OT from NT) is Psalm 18:1¹. It is the only place in the whole Bible where anyone says an unsolicited “I love you!” to God.
Christians of course should be sensitive to the greatest commandment, and I’ve mentioned it before, but I had read through the Psalms a good number of times before I realized that I had not owned that verse for myself. (Psalm 23², for instance, is one that Christians over the centuries own for themselves quite quickly, or at least they should.) So my immediate prayer was, “Do I love you, Lord?” It wasn’t long before I could affirm it positively and my prayer became, “I love you, Lord – help me to love you more!”
That is still my prayer, and not as frequent or emphatic at times as it should be. I can imagine Maggie’s heart swelling and being overwhelmed with love when she was so wondrously delivered of her multiple dilemmas in such a short time! Christians should feel a distinct affection towards God, and if they don’t, they should certainly desire it³!
¹When looking up the link just now I was reminded from the prefatory remarks that it was also a song. That in turn reminded me of Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19, and also of Paul and Silas in prison.
²Not only are we to be childlike, but lamb-like before God. That is an exercise in humility, because, boy, are sheep dumb! We had a pair once for the warmer months of a year, decades ago, so I know from experience! ; - )
³That reminds me of the twin parables.