This is my first post on something that some may feel is controversial, which is kind of scary, but just be reminded this blog is only my thoughts and opinions, and things that are on my heart. So here goes….. I was watching a popular TV host (un-named) and they were discussing Iowa and their legalizing gay marriage. They were saying how through the ages people have been discriminated against and not allowed to choose who they want to marry: different religions, different countries, different races, ect. Their point was, isn’t it about time that marriage was about ‘love’ – we should be able to marry whom ever we choose!
This was very disturbing to me, basically due to the fact that I believe what God says in scripture regarding this subject – that it is clearly a sin! (if you’d like references, let me know) But then again, doesn’t the Bible speak of lots of sins? Many that I’m guilty of!
As I struggled with this, I read in Romans 14 where Paul says, “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brothers? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgement seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
I guess that pretty much sums it up. So this was the reason Christ died – for all sinners, myself included! It reminds me of the song, “One day every tongue confess you are God, one day every knee will bow. Still the greatest treasure remains for those who gladly choose you now”.
Lord, help me not to be judgemental. For judgement is Yours, and one day your verdict will echo through the universe! Help me to show Your love to others, and to stand up for what your Words says. Amen!
I think you are right on about not judging those outside the church. That is, of course, different from standing up for and defending truth. And it can be a difficult line to balance upon! I do like the quote that all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. But we do need to do our “something” in gentleness and truth.
But, I think Scripture is very clear that we are to judge those *within* the church who are clearly sinning. So, to me, a key is whether or not a person claims Christ. For instance, in our own family, I had a non-believing sister divorce for a clearly sinful reason. I urged her not to for the sake of her children, but it was a very different conversation than the one we had with another sibling claiming Christ and seeking a divorce for the same clearly sinful reason. And while my fellowship with the sister is essentially unbroken–why would I expect her to adhere to a standard she doesn’t accept?, the same cannot be said for the fellowship with the other extended sibling.
It’s all hard, isn’t it, knowing the proper response in each situation?
Blessings, Holly
It is hard, Holly. I agree that our responce to unbelievers should be different than to those in the church. And sometimes it may be hard to know which responce is needed. Hmmm, somthing to think about. Thanks for pointing out the difference.