Discussing Homosexuality with Grace and Truth

In light of the cases our Supreme Court is currently considering, the already hot topic about homosexual marriage has been amplified a hundred-fold.  This week, I found myself instantly submerged in a wild ocean of disagreement on the matter.  Maybe you find yourself in the same predicament.  "What do I say?  And how do I say it?"  Here are some helpful recommendations:

First, a word to those who are really good at TRUTH but are struggling to find the right tone on the matter.  Understand that YOU ARE RIGHT.  The truth must be told, the truth is under fire, and our country can take a tragic turn if the truth is not heeded.  But, if all you bring to the conversation is the artillery of truth, if your spirit is harsh or abusive toward people who God created, you are driving people away from the cross.  Jesus was willing to speak with conviction and compassion to the woman at the well, and she was divorced 5 times and living with bachelor number 6!  Be careful that your zeal for truth doesn't drive you to pick up God's gavel, cloak yourself in God's robes and lead you to act and speak as only God can.  Be satisfied and content with God's judgment.  It is not your job to punish the sins of others, or subject them to humiliation or shame, or to condemn them.  Instead, give them hope.  Give them truth, and don't forget grace and kindness.  It was God' kindness toward you that led you to repentance.

Helpful tips for TRUTH people:
-Always show respect in words and actions toward homosexuals and their supporters
-Never use derogatory words about homosexuals
-Always be willing to converse with a loving tone
-Always defend anyone who is being abused, assaulted or humiliated publicly  

Second, a word to those who are really good at GRACE, but are struggling to share the truth on the matter.  Understand that YOU ARE RIGHT.  The church has struggled to speak lovingly on this issue, and hateful hearts offend God and destroy relationships.  Real people deal with same sex attraction, and we must relate to them in a Christ-like manner.  But if all you bring to the conversation is loving acceptance, and you withhold even a part of the truth on the matter, you are leading people away from the cross.  Calvary is a bloody rock because sin is offensive to God.  Be careful you don't lead people to your own hill of redemption---a rose covered hill that offers all the grace and costs only half the truth.  How can you redeem or promise redemption with half the truth?  That makes you a new Messiah.  You cannot promise acceptance apart from atonement.  Augustine of Hippo said, "If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself."

Helpful tips for GRACE people: 
-Be willing to call it sin
-You can be compassionate without abandoning your convictions
-Always be ready to risk a relationship by sharing your convictions
-Always make Jesus feel loved by how you love others

Here are some helpful articles on the topic:
Albert Mohler's summary of the Supreme Court cases: CLICK HERE
Christianity Today's numerous articles on the topic (I haven't read them all): CLICK HERE
Justin Taylor's blog has a 60 minute podcast on the issue:  CLICK HERE

If you want to know what the Bible says about homosexuality, you can watch or listen to a sermon I preached on the matter here:

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