Article: Truth and Compassion for LGBTQ+ Individuals
In this article, Deaconess Emma Heinz discusses the Christian attitude toward members of the LGBTQ+ community: both the pitfalls Christians can fall into, and the balance of truth and compassion we are called to by God’s Word.
We dare not permit the church’s public teaching on the matter of homosexuality to be taken over and determined by a desire to “affirm” every person in whatever state he or she may be. That is not the gospel.
God and the Gay Lifestyle
Homosexual behavior, like any sin, can be forgiven. That’s quite a different thing, of course, than to say that such behavior is OK.
A Step Too Far, For Now
When the American Psychological Association’s journal of record published an article saying that sex between children and adults might be OK, not too many people noticed. But such is the furor that has since arisen at the prospect of America’s psychologists possibly normalizing pedophilia — as they already have homosexuality — that the organization is backtracking. Sort of.
Called to Our Work
We don’t choose our vocations; God chooses us for them. The Christian can understand the ordinary labors of life to be charged with meaning. Through our labor, no matter how humble, God is at work.
Called to Be Citizens
Christians are called to be citizens: to obey laws, pay their taxes, and honor and pray for their governing officials. Patriotic feelings and acts of civic-mindedness are fitting responses to the blessings God has given this country and the citizenship to which He has called us.
Called by the Gospel
All Christians have a calling in the church. We all have been called into faith, and we all are called to a local congregation, where we each have a part to play in the community of faith.
