Some might say that I am “homophobic.” Though homophobia involves contempt for lesbians and gay men, it does not include hate. “Contempt” is “the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless” (www.dictionary.com). Indeed, I may consider the practices of homosexuality mean and worthless and still not hate the practitioners. In addition to what has been given already, I “fear” such people because of the effect of homosexual influence on our homes.
After a while, things like fornication (including adultery, extramarital sex, and homosexuality) have an effect on us. We become desensitized, and we are not as bothered by such things as much as we once were. Recent polls compared to older surveys reveal this truth. If that is true with adults, how much more will our children and grandchildren be affected. How often have you heard, “Oh well, that’s just the way it is.” But that is not the way it has to be and not the way it should be.
Consider the numbing effect television viewing has had on us. Radio personality, Laura Ingraham, has a book entitled, Power to the People, in which she affirms that American culture is “in the gutter.” She asks, “Has America become too pornified?” She also affirms that TV networks are complicit in this “pornification” of America. In the average home, there are things
watched in the twenty-first century that would most certainly have been considered indecent, even pornographic, just a few decades ago. Yet, we watch it and hardly think anything of it. Men, women, and even young people watch “soap operas” five days a week and cheer for their favorite characters as the plot leads them to commit fornication and adultery. How did we ever get into such a state that we are not outraged by such things? Be getting used to it! That’s how!
These matters demonstrate how homosexual behavior is such a threat to our society, to the Lord’s church, and to our homes. Slowly, but surely, homosexual behavior has been legitimized, validated, accepted, and approved. However, such behavior is still wrong and condemned by our God (cf. Romans 1:26-32). I shudder to think of what the next generation (who will not know any other way) will feel and think about these things.
How should we feel and what should we do? Being guided by the word of God, we should never tolerate or condone the practice of homosexuality any more than we would any other sin of that nature or any nature. However, regardless of how repulsive we may consider homosexual behavior to be, we must not hate or cast off such people as unworthy of God’s grace or the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. Had Paul been that way, he would have “written off” the Corinthians (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Instead, we must demonstrate a Christ-like spirit toward people who are guilty of such. They, too, are of value to God. We should love the practicing homosexual just we would love anyone guilty of any sin.
If a homosexual gives up the practice of homosexuality and complies with God’s laws for pardon, we should forgive that person just as God accepts and forgives (cf. Ephesians 4:32). This might not be easy, but it is the right thing to do, and so must we do if we would honor the Christ Who died for all people.
–Andy