The fact that you're reading this blog means that you've been online...which means that you're undoubtedly aware of the controversy surrounding Phil Robertson, one of the leading characters in the popular show, "Duck Dynasty." In an interview with GQ magazine, Mr. Robertson made the point that homosexuality is a sin and quoted 1 Corinthians 6:9 to provide biblical support for his belief. In response to his comments, GLAAD, a support group for gay and lesbian rights, came out with this statement...
"What's clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike. By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value" (quote from Wilson Cruz, spokesman for GLAAD).
I'm not going to defend all of Mr. Robertson's remarks because the fact is, some of what he said was crude and crass, especially for modern American ears. But for the most part, his comments were spot on - he explained the slippery slope of sin as well as the Bible's condemnation of sins such as homosexuality. And for these remarks in particular, he has been called "hateful" and discriminatory by GLAAD. In a television interview I saw, his comments were called "vile" and equated with "hate speech."
Many things could be said in response to this controversy, but here in this brief article, I'd simply like to make one thing very, very clear...
We can strongly disagree with another person's choice or lifestyle while still loving the person.
In other words, the fact that most Christians condemn the practice of homosexuality doesn't mean that they personally hate homosexuals. On the contrary, we can have sincere love for homosexuals even though we believe that they must repent in order to be saved.
In John 8, the scribes and Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Jesus. The Law of Moses demanded that such a woman be stoned to death, and these conniving Jews wanted to see if Jesus would affirm the Law in this matter. However, Jesus knew their hearts and intentions. After all, where was the man? And how did they learn of this woman's adulterous act? Clearly, this had been concocted by them for the purpose of trapping Jesus. And this poor woman was caught in the middle.
Jesus, in this famous story, showed such compassion for the adulterous woman. He said to the Jews, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (vs. 7). I believe that Jesus was implicating them of sin in this matter, not sin in general, but in any event, the scribes and Pharisees "being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one" (vs. 8). Jesus' ensuing conversation with this adulterous woman can be characterized by tenderness and compassion. We can see that He loved this woman and cared deeply for her soul. Just as He ate "with tax collectors and sinners" (Mt. 9:11), He drew near unto this woman and treated her like a human being.
And yet at the same time, He didn't justify her behavior or tolerate her sin. He said to her, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more" (vs. 11). Yes, Jesus loved her and showed her kindness, but He still acknowledged that her choices had been wrong and that she had an obligation to repent of her sin and turn to God. She had to stop committing adultery. Jesus embraced the woman, but He didn't embrace her sin; in fact, He condemned her sin.
Likewise, we can openly condemn homosexuality and other sins on the basis that God's word condemns them. In such cases, God is passing the judgment, not us; we are just His messengers. But, like Jesus, we can condemn the behavior while showing love and compassion for the ones in sin.
Again, I'm not necessarily justifying all of Phil Robertson's remarks. We do have an obligation to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) and to correct others with all humility and patience (2 Tim. 2:24-25). Some of his remarks were very well-worded, while others were quite crude. My main point in this article is simply that we can openly disagree with and condemn (from the Scriptures) a lifestyle or choice while still treating those who are guilty of sin with love and compassion...just like Jesus did.
Over the years, I've known many homosexuals. Despite my strong opposition to their lifestyle, I have always treated them with respect. Likewise, many of these same individuals have strongly opposed my viewpoints while also treating me with respect. Sure, there are many on both sides of this debate who are mean-spirited, hateful and reprehensible - there are so-called Christians who bring shame upon Christ and His church by their rude, divisive behavior - but as individuals, we can choose to be more like Jesus...
...and we would be wise to remember that, while we may not struggle with homosexuality, we have "all sinned" and are equally in need of the redemption offered by Jesus.
Over the years, I've known many homosexuals. Despite my strong opposition to their lifestyle, I have always treated them with respect. Likewise, many of these same individuals have strongly opposed my viewpoints while also treating me with respect. Sure, there are many on both sides of this debate who are mean-spirited, hateful and reprehensible - there are so-called Christians who bring shame upon Christ and His church by their rude, divisive behavior - but as individuals, we can choose to be more like Jesus...
...and we would be wise to remember that, while we may not struggle with homosexuality, we have "all sinned" and are equally in need of the redemption offered by Jesus.
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