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The Table: Gay Marriage (Aliza Rosen)
Christianity is about being Christ-like. Therefore, we look to Jesus to learn how he deals with people and sin.
Collectively, I’ve found Jesus to be quite gentle, loving, forgiving, and honest. He does not compromise his purpose to appease people on earth. On the contrary, he came to earth to appease God and fulfill his ultimate “calling” to save broken, sinful people whom he loves, from their sin. No subject or sin should cause Christians to delineate from this reality. So, the issue of gay marriage, pre-marital sex, adultery, etc. is the same: the aforementioned sins are active lifestyles which oppose God’s perfect design in an ongoing fashion.
However, this is no reason to jump on the offense. Why should Christians require non-Christians to adhere to a set of beliefs they don’t believe in?
Biblically, homosexuality is wrong.
Culturally, we are failing as Christians with reference to exhibiting Christ’s love to all, though. To be effective, we must initially look to the heart and not the action. To soften the heart and teach those who do not believe in Christ about his love is the only true method of conversation regardless of an individual’s choice sins. Christ’s love is attractive, and we shouldn’t make it unattractive by misrepresenting Christ because of our discomfort and prideful agendas. People have been abused, hurt, lost, and turned to negative coping mechanisms, including homosexuality. These people need love, restoration, acceptance and truth to feel vulnerable enough to listen and be heard. Accusation only causes defensiveness, and leaves no room for love.
If we, the church, love on gay individuals and gain credibility in their lives, we will earn the right to speak into their lives in a way that may actually be effective instead of contributing to the blame game. Our goal as the church in reference to evangelism is that we act so irresistibly like Jesus (by loving others) that it would only be logical for non-believers to look further into the Gospel.
Being the church means acting with great courage outside of ourselves to contribute to the good news. Everyone needs a chance to trust Christ because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And for gays. And all of humanity.
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