"For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the women and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper." -Romans 1:26-28
It is pretty clear that homosexuality is against God's will from this verse. However, is it my place to condemn someone for their sins? If all sins are equal then how is it that we find it so easy to condemn others for theirs? (With that being said, I don't think it is wrong to state your opinion like Chick-fil-a has done) Also there is a big difference between being tempted and falling into the trap of sin...
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" -James 1:13-15
So I believe that even if you are tempted to fall into those unnatural desires, it isn't against God's will until you actually commit the sin. With that being said, that is the same desire a man could have towards a woman when they are not married. A sin is a sin, and sleeping with someone out of marriage is the same in God's eyes. So why does homosexuality seem to be blown out of proportion? After all, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"... I think that it is easy for people to judge a sin that they don't struggle with.
"When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" -John 8:7
So many times we judge other people for what they do wrong, while we are sinning as well just in a different way. It is so hard for me especially to look at the wrong others do and not point it out, but what good does that do for God's kingdom? Hasn't he already told us that he will be the judge? More importantly we should be focused on praying about it, and loving the sinners. One of my favorite quotes is, "have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it" And that is so very true. First and foremost God has called us to love one another, and if we are doing that then what are the chances that we are judging our neighbor? I think they are pretty slim...
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
What I hope for you to gain my words is this:
- First and foremost love everyone, because love covers so many different sins at once. (1 Peter 4:8) and if you love everyone the way Christ loves you, you are probably not judging other people for their sins.
- Second, always be in constant communication with God. Talk to God about everything before you talk to others about it.
- And last but definitely not least is try not to look down on others for things that they have done... in the end the only thing that matters is God and his kingdom. Focus more on building people up than tearing them down for their sins. Chances are, you have probably sinned too.
No comments:
Post a Comment