Last week in conjunction with the Supreme Court hearing cases involving gay marriage conflicts, many of my Facebook friends changed their avatars to the image to the right. During this whole experience I found myself growing more and more angry because of the profile photo changes.
While I understand the tendency to choose one side or another I do believe people have various reasons for changing avatars. These include:
- Bandwagon jumping – some people have a tendency to get caught up in the moment without necessarily thinking things through.
- Slacktivism – Thinking one is doing something to make a difference…like changing your Facebook profile picture, but in reality it does very little at all. Remember the last time this happened?
- Rebellion against the way they were brought up. Liberal children of conservative parents. “My parents hate that I’m liberal? I’ll show them!”
- They truly identify with being gay or lesbian. (This is really the only legitimate reason for doing this. The rest is all just pandering.)
As a Christian, by moral reasons I cannot support sin. God’s Word is very clear that homosexual acts are sinful (Romans 1:27). As a Christian, I do not rejoice in sin. Rather we should flee from sin (1 Cor. 6:18).
It is disappointing that many people who claim to know the Bible completely brush off the Bible verses which condemn homosexual acts. Also I find it disappointing that many people try to point out obscure levitical verses in the Old Testament which justify stoning, when the Old Testament law isn’t even effect anymore (Colossians 2:14).
I simply wish that those who support homosexuality confirm that they are going against what the Bible teaches. In short, quit trying to have your cake and eat it too.
However homosexuality has become the “go to” sin which the majority of Christians can agree is wrong. When ministers preach a sermon on homosexuality, he is pretty much preaching to the choir. What is not emphasized is that gossiping (backbiters in New King James language) is put in the same category as homosexuality. (Romans 1:26-32). Yet Christians have a tendency to demonize homosexuality and brush off gossiping, as they are guilty of the latter themselves.
But where churches have failed is they are not showing love to homosexuals. Instead when out of church, many Christians tell gay jokes and bully those struggling with homosexuality. And yet we read in 1 Corinthians that some of the early Christians were homosexuals, but repented of their sin.
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
–1 Corinthians 6:9-11
In short Christians need to quit bullying homosexuals and try to work for a change of heart. The love of God knows no bounds. God loves the sinner. He is willing that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
Homosexual supporters too need to be careful on what words they use against Christians. Calling a Christian a “bigot” is incredibly insulting considering the good that Christians have done for humanity over the years. Sure, Christians had the crusades and other terrible acts. But they are also responsible for caring for orphans and setting up hospitals. Using the word “bigot” or other strong language from either side is counterproductive and will only serve to alienate both sides.
