CHRISTIAN LIFE & GROWTH
The Biblical Response to LGBT Victims of Violence
We as Christians tend to look at homosexuality/lesbianism as more repulsive than other sins. It goes against God's very order of life for men, women, and procreation. The Bible is clear that such a lifestyle is an abomination in the eyes of God.
However, it is just one of many sins. LGBT individuals are not sinning any worse than those who engage in heterosexual sex outside of marriage, or worse than those who lie, steal, are mean, easily angered, or speak with vulgarity. It's all the same with God.
We should be horrified and saddened by violence against LGBT individuals just like violence against any other person. God hasn't singled out such people for judgment beyond others, so we cannot just assume that the terror attack at a gay bar was an act of God's judgment. God is patient with humanity. He doesn't want us to perish, and He gives us a chance to repent and trust Christ as Savior (2 Peter 3:9).
Although the Law of the Old Testament did provide for strict punishments for various sins, its purpose was to point out to mankind our sins and how they separate us from God, and they were for Israel; God never intended for individuals to enforce such laws outside Israel. In the church age, homosexual behavior should be seen as any other sin: forgivable:
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20, NKJVIt is our sinful nature as a whole which must be forgiven. God loves all people and desires us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our neighbor is everyone, including LGBT individuals. When violence is launched upon our gay neighbors through any means, including domestic, we as Christians should be ready to show love, compassion, mercy, and help in any way we can as opportunity arises. Expressing disapproval in a hateful manner discourages victims from getting the healing they need, whether it's escaping an abusive partner or finding spiritual healing in Jesus.
But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:23,24, NKJV
God will judge all of humanity at the end of days. Violence against our LGBT neighbors for their sexuality or gender identity is never justified. We are not privy as to how God chooses to judge people individually in this life. That is His territory of understanding and wisdom. We just need to love people and minister to them in their time of need, hoping to sow seeds of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16, NKJVWe all must remember that unbelievers sin in all kinds of ways, even we as Christians fail God on a daily basis. We are saved by His grace. So let's extend that grace to the LGBT community. Leave judgment to God.
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:24, NKJV
But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence in God when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:15, GW
Image Credit: Wokandapix; untitled; Creative Commons
Tags: Biblical-Truth | Christian-Life | Controversial-Issues | Current-Issues | Hardships
Published on 5-15-17
