PastorsBlog: Homosexuality Sermon Disclaimer

April 30, 2009

Dear [FIRSTNAME],

I am continually reminded that communication is a complex and difficult thing. One small misstatement in a 20 minute message can blow the whole thing for a listener. In retrospect, I realized I did this again on Sunday. (You may listen to the message here.)

The main thrust of what I was trying to say was: Jesus was a friend of sinners. He first befriended people, not blast them for a particular sin. I figure we should do the same. I’m certainly grateful He did so with me.

So I was trying quite deliberately on Sunday not to call homosexual acts “sin.” I figure anyone who wants to know what the Bible says can easily find this information. Besides, the Christian church has firmly established a reputation of not only condemning homosexuality but even of hating homosexuals. How different we are from Jesus’ reputation as “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34).

But unintentionally on Sunday, I equated homosexuals with child molesters. What I said was “Jesus did not say one word about homosexuality.” I should have then followed it up with, “This does not mean Jesus thought good or bad of it. He did not address many, many subjects, from child molestation to flying on airplanes.” The meaning being that Jesus’ silence on an issue is neither justification nor condemnation. But what I actually said was something like “He didn’t talk about child molesters either.” Ach! And I cannot undo that.

Nonetheless, I hope and pray that I communicated my main point. We are called not to condemn particular sins in people, but to befriend them, point them to Jesus, and let Jesus transform them. To do otherwise is not the Gospel. To fail to befriend people basically gives the message: “First clean yourself up, then we can talk about Jesus.” But, you say, “Doesn’t a person need to realize their sin first?” No, they don’t need to realize each and every sin. They need to realize they are to follow Jesus. I continue to carry a boatload of sin that I fail to recognize. But Jesus is slowly revealing it to me. And I continually praise God that Jesus died and rose for me.

In Christ,

Pastor Steve

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