Tough Subject and the Truth

Recently on a show that is broadcasted on the CBC , a personality went on a rant concerning bullying.  There was a clear connection to the suicides of young people resulting from being bullied about being gay. As anyone knows , High-school is a breeding place for bullies. From being fat , ugly  ,slow, black different in anyway , you can be a target . Within that list add the young and gay. They have been told to be who they are , come out and be proud. But the world is a place that is full of those who will hate and bully. But many will list Christians in the hate and bully camp . Is this so and do Christians play a role in this tragedy.

First I will with no apologies say the Bible teaches clearly  , that the only sexuality that God is pleased with and has given to humanity is within marriage between a man and woman. The word says the marriage bed is undefiled.  That its sanctified by God's blessing . That it for both intimacy and children . Any other form is sin . Sex outside of marriage is sexually immoral  and is listed in 1 Corinthians 6 as one of the sins of those who are under God's wrath. Within that list it also homosexuality as well .

Homosexuality is sin , serious sin against a holy God . But any sin is a serious sin against God. As a Christian we must be very careful not to exult homosexuality above or move beyond what God's word tells us concerning any behavior that is against God. To tell someone that God does not approve of their lifestyle choices is not the same as hating or bullying as long as we maintain a biblical understanding of how to call out sinners to repentance

First we have to see others as made in the image of God. That every person is a image bearer although fallen ,broken and a sinner . But that in itself gives each person worth.

Second , we are all sinners . No one is righteous , no one is without temptations. Each person will struggle with different sins , that are the result of our fallen nature. So homosexuality and same sex attraction is one of those sins many may fight all their lives.

Third , we knowing we are saved by grace alone , by faith alone , in Christ alone should give a Christian any room for arrogance or self righteousness .

Fourth , one must make no room for hatred , speech that is unbecoming and incites any type of harm to a person period. Jesus said to love your enemies. Who are the enemies ? Anyone who opposes the gospel of Christ.

Fifth , we must at the same time be willing to proclaim the truth of the gospel of Christ without editing . But the point to start is we are all sinners in need of God's forgiveness , not a peculiar sinful behavior . That may come into the conversation but shouldn't be the starting point.

Sixth , make it clear when it comes to "christian's" who expound hate and advocate a gospel that is no gospel , that you are not in the same boat. Explain the difference.

Last , reach out in love without compromising what the Bible teaches . One will face hostility and sometimes even threats but return this with love . Just as Jesus did facing the cross and his persecutors , show compassion and forgiveness .

These are just simple thoughts from a Christian who is deeply saddened by bullying but I do not hold sharing God's truth in love , falls under this category . Bullying has no place in a Christians life . Nuff said.