It is written:
“Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?” (Proverbs 20:9)
In a fascinating book regarding the controversial subject of “same-sex marriage,” and under the section entitled, “Let’s Repent Of Our Attitude,” Erwin Lutzer has these insightful words:
“I’ve already said enough in this book about the need to minister to homosexuals without a spirit of judgmentalism or finger-pointing. I cannot stress too strongly that we must not view homosexuality as a sin that is divorced from our own sins within the church—adultery, greed, gossip, and pornography, to name a few. Ed Dobson (no relation to James Dobson), former pastor of a large church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received criticism when his church launched an outreach to gays several years ago. Some feared the church might be “overrun” with gays. Ed Dobson countered, “If the church gets overrun with homosexuals, that will be terrific. They can take their place in the pews right next to the liars, gossips, materialists, and all the rest of us who entertain sin in our lives.” He concludes by saying, “When I die, if someone stands up and says ‘Ed Dobson loved homosexuals’ then I will have accomplished something with my life.” 2 No wonder homosexuals came to his church even though they knew that he did not approve of their lifestyle. If all that we have to offer the world is a message of judgment, we can understand why we will have lost the ear of those who need to hear us the most. I suspect that not many have left the gay lifestyle because they have heard a message condemning homosexuality. But many have left their life of homosexuality because of a message of hope, grace, and patience. The world is intolerant of hypocrites—those who condemn others for doing what they themselves do in secret. Credibility with our neighbors and friends can best be nurtured through a spirit of openness, admitting our own struggles and shortcomings. If you want to find a bridge to witness of Christ to your neighbors, share some of your failures with them. They will be quite pleased to know that you, as a Christian, are not exempt from the failings common to man.” (Erwin Lutzer, The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage: 6 Things You Must Know About What’s Really At Stake, 1329-1346 (Kindle Edition); Chicago; Moody Publishers)
Those of us who are Christians need to take a careful look regarding our attitudes towards homosexuals and lesbians. Christ loves all sinners, and calls all to repentance (Luke 9:51-56; 19:10; 2 Peter 3:9). If we are not being beacons of God’s mercy to those around us, we are not representing Him as we ought (Philippians 2:15ff).
Friends, I struggle with temptation and sin, and yet God’s mercy is more then sufficient to save me. We need to extend this understanding and grace to everyone as we call all sinners to repentance before a holy and loving God. His grace can save anyone who turns to Him (Acts 2:37-47; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)!
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
Leave a Reply