Speak the Truth in Love

“If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense." (Leviticus 20:13 NLT)

Now, we're on a hot topic. How often has that verse been used to condemn those in the gay lifestyle? If you have been following along with us in Leviticus, you will find there are many things in the Levitical law that was punishable by death. In Chapter 20 alone, read the other verses surrounding this one, and many other sexual sins were serious offenses as well. Why does this one get picked out amongst the others for many Christians to use as a basis to judge and condemn?

Often times, we may look at others and judge them more harshly because we have not struggled with that same issue. Or, perhaps, we have allowed our culture to mold us into something that we're really not. Being able to understand and empathize with someone, when we have not actually been where they have, is only because of God's grace. Due to a situation many years ago, I found myself being able to truly love those individuals who struggled, or even living, in the gay lifestyle. God took a mess, and turned it into a message. He taught me to "speak the truth in love".

How often have we heard churches and preachers condemn this lifestyle, only to further drive away those individuals who so desperately need to hear the message of God's unconditional love? Are we hating the sinner as well as the sin? Our sin and behavior does not have to dictate who we are as a person. In a society where homosexuality has become more acceptable, where the media portrays it as such a normal, alternative lifestyle, where do we as Christians fit into the picture? How do we show God's love for them without compromising the truth?

I believe the easiest way for Christians to show that same compassion is for them not to elevate one sin above the rest. "It's level at the foot of the cross", and in God's eyes, sin is sin. God detests a condemning, judgmental spirit equally as much as He hates any type of immoral, sexual behavior. And, even though, what once used to be a "slippery slope" has now become a "downward grade", the only way to reach others before they reach bottom, is to extend a hand in love.

Father, of grace and mercy, forgive us for the times where we have failed you and failed others. May we show your unconditional love in the same manner that you have shown us. May we never compromise your truth while speaking in love. Amen.