Applied Belief: Jesus encounters a gay couple

On Sept. 11, two gay men were attacked in Philadelphia. While the investigation is ongoing it appears, based on the facts so far reported, that this was a brutal attack undertaken by three if not more young men and women. As I read this story I was saddened by the fact that this happened in America let alone in the city of Philadelphia. I do not condone this senseless act of brutality. It is inhumane and it is as far removed from a Christian attitude as you can imagine. Yet I have heard many religious people say that these two men deserved what they got because of their sin. This mentality is not compatible with what Jesus our Lord teaches.

There is no doubt that homosexuality like abortion remains a hot topic in America today. Homosexuality continues to be debated within many Christian denominations. There are two issues here to discuss. One is how Jesus would react and treat a gay couple and, two, the issue of homosexuality as a sinful lifestyle.

We find that when Jesus encountered those that were sinners he would engage them, and even dine with them. The religious people and authorities of the time couldn’t believe it. We find one story where Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s home. Mark states “many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:15-16)

Why did Jesus engage sinners? Because he was setting an example on how we should treat others. Not just others like us, but others that have different worldviews and lifestyles. Jesus never sets an example to use violence against those that may be different, sinners and non-believers. Jesus brought a message of love and non-comprising tolerance. Often Christians hear tolerance and think that we should “accept” someone’s sinful lifestyle. Tolerance means to live allowing something to exist without necessarily condoning it.  Jesus tolerated sinners; hence he actively pursued them and ate with them. These actions and activities were criticized heavily by the so called righteous religious minds of the time.

The difference is that Jesus tolerated in love without comprising the truth and the reality of their sin. When the Pharisees asked why Jesus was eating with sinners Jesus responds in Mark 2:17 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus clarifies saying “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

If Jesus encountered these two men he would have loved them and engaged them all in an effort to bring them to repentance.  He would want them to believe in Him that they might not perish in their sins but be saved and have eternal life. As Christians we must follow Jesus’ example and love everyone. We must tolerate without comprising our belief in the truth of the Gospel. Violence and hatred are never the answer. Remember Jesus’ words “Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” Luke 6:31-32

About Rev. Marcos O. Almonte

Rev. Marcos O. Almonte is senior pastor at Brandywine Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist Church west of Philadelphia. Pastor Marcos is a graduate of Palmer Theological Seminary with more than 10 years working with families with an expertise in theology, trauma and addictions. Pastor Marcos and his wife Mary have three children, Carmen, Joseph, and Lincoln.

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...

Comments

comments

Leave a Reply