I’ve never liked anyone to tickle my ears or sugarcoat anything. Just tell me like it is, so I can have the correct information up front.
Sadly many people in churches today seek out messages or teachings that are pleasing and comfortable. There is a Bible term associated with “itching ears” in 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.”
I hear people talk about how Jesus is so sweet and nice “he would never do that, but the fact is Jesus talked more about judgment in the Bible than accepting everyone in their sin. I can love a person, but I don’t have to love their sin.
The concept of ticking ears it itching ears is about people rejecting difficult truths and embracing false teachings that align with their desires. It can result in a superficial understanding of faith, where people prioritize personal feelings over the truth of what Jesus accomplished.
The Bible challenges us to live according to God’s will, even when it’s difficult. It may involve warnings, corrections, and calls for repentance, as well as messages of hope and encouragement.
No one likes to feel uncomfortable, but it get to heaven it is necessary. Jesus spoke often about the importance of our discomfort. He called people “blessed” who are grieving, hungry, poor in spirit, or suffering persecution for His sake (Matthew 5:1-22). We cannot be “hungry for righteousness sake” if we are too comfortable.
There were many times Jesus asked pointed questions or told stories that greatly disturbed people.
Finley Peter Dune summed this up nicely when he said “Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
From Pity to Praise 