Should a Christian Attend a Gay Wedding?
What would Jesus do? Jesus had fellowship with sinners (Matthew 9:10). But when He ate and drank with the tax collectors, harlots and the despised in society, He didn’t celebrate their wrong doing. He called them to righteousness instead. There is a big difference between being there for those that are struggling with sin and being there to celebrate their acts that are not in accordance with the Bible.
For example, a Christian should not help a friend who is struggling with the sin of stealing, by celebrating the goods that was stolen. Instead, he should help him overcome his weakness and show him the necessity of restoring all the stolen goods to their original owners. True love heals and restores the sinner back to God.
Homosexuality is like any other sin (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists homosexuality as one of the sins that will prevent someone from entering the Kingdom of God. In Romans 1:26-27 Paul teaches that homosexuality is contrary to God’s natural order and results from opposing God. While the Scriptures are clear in its view of homosexuality, it should be remember that the Lord loves all of his children and offers forgiveness to those who forsake their evil ways.
Jesus taught that sinners can certainly receive forgiveness for all their sins and through the grace of God and may receive all the power necessary to have victory over sin. For He didn’t come to save the sinners IN their sin but FROM their sins. True love will invite the weak to repentance because sin separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Jesus came to reconnect the sinner to God (2 Corinthians 5:18). Sometimes speaking the truth in love may bring division and persecution (Luke 12:51-53). Christians may be called by God to speak even if hurts. Jesus, Himself, the Lord of love, experienced such rejection from those that didn’t yield to God (John 15:18).
According to the Bible, marriage is between a man and woman (Genesis 2:24) and same sex relationships is condemned by God (Romans 1:26-27). Therefore, attending a gay wedding celebration goes contrary to the will of God.
It’s important to note, however, that Christians need to treat their gay friends with dignity and love them the way Jesus loves them. They need to be there for them in every way possible as long as they don’t violate the will of God. It is real love rather than profession that identifies the Christian. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
