What do you do when people say it is wrong to speak out against homosexuality?
Question:
Here lately the whole country seems to be quite preoccupied with the lifestyle of being a homosexual. It is all over the Internet, TV, everywhere it seems. And amazingly churches everywhere are 'jumping on the bandwagon,' so to say. So-called priests and other 'leaders' are actually embracing this lifestyle themselves while fighting their own churches for 'rights' to live it. Others are performing 'weddings', advertising it, etc. I am just dumbfounded.
Well, I just wanted to say that these folks surely must have not read their Bibles. Recently, I was watching a TV program with this one particular celebrity, (Jewish man, maybe?) who presents many questions in his program that pertains to Biblical Archeology. One of his statements in his program was that he had discovered while doing his searches that there are many who do not pick up their Bible and read it; if they did, they would know the answers they seek. I was amazed to hear a TV personality say such a thing. Most don't and won't! But he did, and I must say I was impressed.
I am disturbed about this new turn of events in California. I think because at one time, many years ago, I didn't approve or believe in it, but I also was 'tolerant' of this lifestyle. I didn't live it myself, but I did have many acquaintances who did. I knew what they did and how they lived but never said anything at all about it. In the world I lived in at that time, it was accepted, approved, and even encouraged at times. It was actually so common that it meant nothing to me. Since that time, of course, my own life has changed. I no longer even know where these people are and actually, don't want to know. (It was a bad way of life then.)
I find myself wondering how to refer to myself now. Am I 'prejudiced?' I understand that there are new words to describe folks like me who no longer accept this way of life, and if someone persists in speaking against this way of life, they can even be charged with a lawsuit that says they are persecuting someone. Is this true?
I can only say that if I am presented with this situation, well, I guess I would be charged and sentenced, as I cannot and will not accept this way of life. God says it is 'abominable' to Him. If it is unacceptable to God, then who am I to say different? The New Testament says that homosexuals will not enter heaven, and I sure don't want to be one of them. So, how would you suggest I handle this type of situation if I ever do experience it? Showing tolerance would not be right, as it would suggest approval. I can't do that anymore. Also, the Bible speaks against that as well, being tolerant of sin.
Answer:
The answer is the same for this as any other sin. You lovingly teach the truth. "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (II Timothy 2:23-26). When people tell me they are living together without being married, I explain that this is a sin, show them verses where God condemns fornication, and I explain why God's way makes sense. When someone uses profanity, I tell them that this is a sin, show them verses where God condemns the profane, and I explain why this type of language interferes with getting along with people. I treat homosexuality no differently.
Sexual sins, including homosexuality, has been a problem repeatedly in mankind's history. We are just seeing history repeat itself. And like in the days of old, people think they can change the truth by regulating what people say. It never works, but people attempt it repeatedly.
Jesus said that persecutions will come and if it does so be it. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12). Then right after this Jesus tells us we are to stand out in the earth. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).
We can't go into hiding just because people want to pretend that sin is acceptable.
