Go and Tell in Love

by Kayli Pesch

            With the recent Supreme Court ruling, allowing same-sex marriage in all states, there is a lot of debate among Christians over how to treat homosexuality. The truth is, simply because the government has decided to allow same-sex marriage, it does not change how God views homosexuality, nor does it change how Christians should react toward it.  It is worth taking some time, then, to examine what God says about homosexuality and how we, as Christians should deal with it. Notice, I am speaking to Christians who believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. If you do not believe that, you will most likely find many errors in my arguments. Belief in the Bible as the Word of God is a separate argument completely.

I have heard many people, even life-long Christians, question whether or not God condemns homosexuality as a sin. I have heard some  also say  that maybe it was only an Old Testament law that was fulfilled in Christ which no longer needs to be followed , similar to ‘clean eating’(Heb. 8:13) or circumcision (Gal 2:3). Contrary to both thoughts, God does clearly speak about homosexuality as a sin in multiple areas throughout the Old Testament (Lev 18:22, Lev 20:13) and the New Testament (1Cor. 6:9-11, Romans 1:26-28, 1 Tim 1:10). While the Lord points this sin out specifically in many instances, he also points out sins such as drunkenness (Eph. 5:18), hate (1John 3:15), lying (Acts 5:3), and even thinking lustfully about someone other than your spouse (Mat. 5:27-28). In fact, God states that everyone is guilty of sinning (Rom3:10) and that all sins are equal – “for whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10). Now you may be thinking, “What?! All sins are equal? You mean to tell me that when I copied that worksheet of a classmates in Comm 101 and turned it in as my own because ‘she doesn’t really grade them anyway’, it was as much a sin as being gay?” The answer is: YES!

Since we are all in the same boat as far as sin goes, the real question is, how should we treat the sins of or brothers and sisters? Well, how does God treat us when we sin? This is the most beautiful part about being a Christian:  grace.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). That’s right; God chose to love even me, a wretched sinful being. He did this not because I had done something to earn it, but despite everything I have done against him. What is more is that he not only shows this love to me, he shows this love to all people. We have all learned the ‘gospel in a nutshell’ -- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This means that Jesus not only died to pay for your sins and mine, but for the sins of homosexuals as well. He wants all people to love him and to turn away from their sins (2 Peter 3:9). It is our purpose to go and tell this beautiful message so that everyone can believe and be saved (Mark 16:15).

Often, when we point out the sins of others, we are accused of being judgmental. I have even seen some quote the Bible saying, “There is only one Law-giver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12). Yes, we have already established that we are all sinful. If I am sinful too, then what gives me the authority to pass judgment on others for their sins? Really, you should not be passing judgement, but showing others their sinful ways in love so that they can turn from them (Prov. 27:5, Gal. 6:1). God instructs us to “...save others by snatching them out of the fire...” (Jude 1:23). The key is to always approach in love. Ask yourself why you are pointing out others’ sin. Is it for your own gain; to make yourself feel better about your own sins? Or is it truly out of love, so that they might turn from their sins and be forgiven? Always act in love. Let God work in the hearts of sinners.  

As sinners whose only hope is in Christ, we strive to love sinners as God has loved us.