New laws against discrimination – Tuesday 23rd May
I have just received notification from ‘Christian concern for our nation’ that they are calling Christians to lobby against new laws on discriminating against a person on the grounds of sexual orientation. I wonder what Jesus would do.
“That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relationships with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men and .as a result, suffered within themselves the penalty they so richly deserved. When they refused to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do the things that should never be done.” Romans 1:26-28
“You may be saying, “What terrible people you have been talking about!” But you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say the wicked should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you do these very same things” Romans 2:1
If we didn’t know that having sexual relationship with others of the same sex was wrong, then we would fully approve of laws to prevent discrimination and persecution. Our fear of these new laws is that they will punish us if we find ourselves condemning those who are sinning – but if we follow Jesus teaching then we will not be condemning the people in the first place. Is that a good basis for opposing the laws? Just imagine what capital the devil will make of that. “Look at those hypocrites – they condemn others, but they are just as bad.” And he would be right! Love the sinner, condemn the sin.
We MUST NOT pretend that the sin is OK. However, whilst people refuse to acknowledge God, he will abandon them to their evil minds. Isn’t our role rather to love those who don’t yet know Jesus, to introduce them to Him, and to let Him deal with their sin – just as he deals with ours?
“Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should.” Romans 14:4
God bless
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