*Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Everyone knows it. All it takes is one glance at the front page of the newspaper or your Twitter feed.
As the Supreme Court addresses the constitutionality of same-sex marriage this week, the debate is flaring up.
As a Christian, it’s hard to try to sort through all of the opinions that are out there. Because, well, everyone seems to have one.
The extremes of opinions within the church can be overwhelming to process.
There are people like Rob Bell, who in his recent interview with Odyssey Networks stated, “this is the world we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they are”.
And there are people who condemn homosexuality in its entirety. Like the Westboro Baptist Church who are known for their searing hatred of gays with their infamous “God Hates Fags” protests.
As heated as the debate has become, ultimately, the government is going to do what they’re going to do. However, as Christians, we should keep our focus on how we handle the issue itself.
Here are three essential truths to remember in the midst of all of noise regarding the gay marriage debate.
1. Homosexuality is wrong
For those of us believing in the God of the Bible and trust that His Words are true, there is no denying that homosexuality is wrong. It is plain and clear that it is sinful.
I understand that the counter-argument is often the question of “where in the Bible does it say that homosexuality is wrong?”
I could point you to several passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, and even Leviticus 18:22.
But might I also add that when God speaks against something in His Word, it is not just because He decided to make our lives miserable, but it’s because He knows what’s best for us.
One of my good friends, and fellow contributors, Sarah, spoke of the issue so eloquently.
“Homosexuality is wrong because of God’s love and desire for us to experience the fullest life He can give us, not because He randomly decided to hate or condemn homosexuals. His compassion for humankind and knowledge of what is healthiest for us is what caused Him to forbid it, to call us to the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment of joy – and to settle for nothing less.”
2. God loves sinners
God loves us, even though we’re sinners – and the same goes for anyone who’s gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, or anywhere in between.
We are still loved by God just the same.
Christ didn’t just die for the perfect, clean cut, churched person. In fact, He even spoke against the seemingly “religious” people of His time.
God sent His son to die for all of us. Because, well, we all need it.
“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” // Romans 5:8
