Four biblical principles
Some years ago, I wrote a Daily Article in response to statements made by a well-known Christian figure. My article was sharply critical of his published words. The next day, I received a very kind and heartfelt response from his daughter. It turned out that she read my article each day and wanted me to know that there was another side to her father’s reported statements.
Her gracious response reminded me that I should never write or speak on a subject without considering those for whom it is highly personal. This principle applies especially to the Pride Month article I published yesterday.
As I wrote that article, I had in mind some dear friends whose sons are gay. I also thought of gay and lesbian friends I have known over the years. However, there wasn’t space to offer reflections on the inherent balance in “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), so I’ll attempt to do so today.
How do we take biblical stands on moral issues in ways that help rather than harm? How do we offer truth with compassion? How do we address divisive issues out of love for our Lord and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39)?
Let’s consider four biblical principles.
One: Be honest about our own failings.
When I was a seminary professor teaching philosophy of religion, a chapel speaker taught me a lesson I have not forgotten. The previous week, it was revealed that a very prominent pastor in our area had been engaged in numerous sexual affairs. The story was all over the local news.
The speaker began his message by referencing the scandal. I assumed he would rebuke the pastor’s sins and warn us against following his example. Instead, he pointed his finger at us and said, “There but for the grace of God go you.” Then he pointed at himself and said, “And there but for the grace of God go I.”
Whether we are speaking about LGBTQ issues or any other moral subject, it is vital that we do so with a spirit of humility. I may not be committing your sins, but you may not be committing mine. As Henri Nouwen reminded us, wounded healers are often the best healers.
Concerning the subject at hand, it is important to remember that sexual sin is not unpardonable, heterosexual sexual sin is just as sinful as homosexual sexual sin, and God loves LGBTQ people as much as he loves everyone else. As a result, we are not superior people telling inferior people what to do—we are beggars telling other beggars where we found bread.
Two: Submit to the Spirit.
I’ll admit that it is hard for me to love people who are engaged in behavior I consider to be unbiblical and harmful to society. Abortion and euthanasia supporters come to mind: their activism costs unborn and infirm humans their lives. LGBTQ activists seeking to influence children during Pride Month is similarly frustrating for me.
But as St. Augustine noted, God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. Because “God is love” (1 John 4:8), he cannot not love us. If I submit every day to his Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), he will produce the “fruit” of “love” in my heart and life (Galatians 5:22). I will be empowered to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:39) and act out of such love in ways that are redemptive rather than hurtful.
This is a gift I need to receive and share every day. So do you.
Three: Declare and defend biblical truth.
You’ve probably heard the St. Francis of Assisi quote, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” There are two problems here. First, Francis never spoke these words. Second, they’re wrong: in preaching the gospel, it is always necessary to use words (Romans 10:14).
People need and deserve to know what God says about the challenges they face. The Bible speaks directly to LGBTQ issues, for example, with truth that is clear and redemptive. (For some of our ministry’s resources on this subject, click here.) Peter’s injunction is the guidance we need:
In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:15–16).
Every word of this text is vital for our society and for our souls.
Four: Pray for transformed hearts with urgency.
It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, save our souls, and conform us to the character of Christ (cf. John 16:8–11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:29). Our role is to share biblical truth in love as the Spirit leads us and then to pray for hearts to be transformed by God’s grace.
Such intercession requires both persistence and urgency. Persistence, because changing hearts can be a long process, and urgency, because broken souls and fallen society hang in the balance.
Do you know someone who needs biblical truth shared with humility in compassionate love? Someone who needs your ongoing intercession and personal encouragement?
I especially appreciate Max Lucado’s testimony here:
“I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.”
With whom will you “choose kindness” today?
Quote for the day:
“Compassion is born when we discover in the center of our own existence not only that God is God and man is man, but also that our neighbor is really our fellow man.” —Henri J. M. Nouwen
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