The church's response to homosexuality (Part 6)

Here are some questions and comments in this sixth and last post -- for now, at least -- on how the church should respond to the challenge of homosexuality:

-- How would you respond if someone you know to be a practicing homosexual were to walk into your church's corporate worship on Sunday? What if a same-sex couple -- maybe even a married couple in the state's view -- were to attend corporate worship? Would you go to them and ask them to leave? Or would you keep looking at them, detesting the fact they were in the same worship service as you? Or would you see them as image bearers of God and sinners who need God's mercy and be grateful they are in a corporate gathering where they will hear the gospel of Jesus proclaimed in the songs, the prayers, the readings and the preaching?

-- Would a Christian struggling with same-sex attraction feel free to come to you to share his temptation and to seek your help? Or would he not feel that freedom because he has heard your disparaging comments about homosexuals and homosexuality? Or would she not feel that freedom because she has recognized in your attitude and words a disfavor, maybe even a disdain, toward those who don't perform in the Christian life the way you think they should?

-- If one of your children experiences homosexual temptation or sexual confusion, would he be able to approach you and share this with you? Would she be able to take such a courageous step with the assurance you will respond with grace and love?

These are only some of the questions we face as followers of Christ in a culture that increasingly signals homosexuality is no different morally than heterosexuality, in a culture that increasingly defines a same-sex union as a marriage, in a culture that increasingly declares same-sex attraction equals being gay.

The primary question is: What will be the controlling factor in our response in such a culture?

Will it be our moral code? Will it be our family values? Will it be our sentiments? Will it be our pride? Will it be our fear? Or will it be the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as revealed in God's Word?

Here is an observation that certainly is not unique to me: This issue at this time may be a great opportunity for the church to rely on the grace of God and the power of the Spirit to become more compassionate toward sinners and more bold in defending and proclaiming the gospel. As a result, may we see greater fruit than ever in our own lives and more sinners becoming saints than ever through the testimony and ministry of our churches.