We Love Gay People!

Startled? Confused? Wondering if the headline is a mistake?
Let’s put this in perspective. Fact: Homosexuality is a sin against God. Fact: So is lying, cheating, laziness, lust, and more!
While homosexuality is a terribly wicked act, so is every other sin we commit against a holy God. But why does the church tend
to point out homosexuality as the “untouchable” sin?
Perhaps it’s because up to this point in history, the church has been full of liars, cheaters, adulterers, murderers, etc. But since
homosexuality has remained “taboo” in the church, it is the only sin that liars, cheaters, adulterers, and murderers can point to
and still feel “holier than thou!” “At least I don’t do that!” If homosexuals came into the church, we would lose our moral superiority.
We might just be grouped in the same category as “wretched sinners.”
Perhaps we should reconsider Romans 3. Verse 10 says, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks
for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” That verse describes
you, me, liars, homosexuals - all sinners!
The Pharisees didn’t see things that way. They believed they were better than the average sinner. Of course, Jesus called their
bluff when he gave them permission to “cast the first stone” at the woman caught in adultery.
Speaking of stones, there are a lot of them being thrown in the name of Christ these days. Anti-gay rallies featuring signs saying
“God hates fags” are commonplace. Sadly, many churches encourage their members to participate. It sure feels good to point
out how terrible someone else is!
But what if we decided to display the love of Christ instead? It was the radical love of Jesus that compelled Him to minister to
taxpayers, prostitutes, Samaritans, and drunkards. And by the way, He helped them transform their sinful actions into God-honoring
lifestyles. Jesus knew that the only way they would change is through His unsurpassing love - the same love that saved
you and me “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8). Maybe we just don’t want these people to change. After all, that would
take away our “holier than thou” crutch.
But what if we took all our “hate” energy and poured it into ministries for homosexuals? What if we abandoned anti-gay rallies and
replaced them with “God loves you” rallies? Perhaps then the homosexual community would be able to see past our arrogance
to the powerful love of Christ and the cross.
Bottom line: Homosexuality is a terrible sin. Gay people are wicked sinners. We do not endorse the lifestyle. Nor do we support
gay marriage or gay adoption. We do, however, follow Christ’s example in loving sinners and calling them to repentance.
Of course, once they repent and place their faith in Christ for salvation, we help them resist temptation and discipline them when
they consistently rebel without remorse. That’s how we should treat every sinner in the church!

Written by:

Pastor Scott Atteberry
Wyatt Baptist Church