Should Christians discriminate against homosexuals?

Discrimination, in any form, is a complex and sensitive issue, especially when considered from a Christian perspective. To address whether Christians should discriminate against homosexuals, it’s important to define what we mean by “discriminate.” Discrimination typically refers to unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people. From a Christian standpoint, the response to any group, including homosexuals, should be informed by biblical principles of love, truth, and righteousness.

Understanding Biblical Teachings

Love and Compassion

The cornerstone of Christian behavior is love, as emphasized by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves, a commandment that extends to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

• Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV): “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
• John 13:34-35 (NKJV): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

These verses make it clear that love is not optional but essential. The love Jesus speaks of is agape love, which is unconditional and selfless. This type of love should be the foundation of how Christians interact with all individuals, including those who identify as homosexual.

Speaking the Truth in Love

While Christians are called to love, they are also called to uphold and speak the truth as revealed in Scripture. This includes the biblical perspective on human sexuality. However, the manner in which truth is communicated is crucial.

• Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV): “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.”
• Colossians 4:6 (NKJV): “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Speaking the truth in love means that Christians should address issues related to homosexuality (and any other topic) with compassion and grace, not with condemnation or harshness. This balanced approach helps in maintaining the integrity of Christian witness while being respectful and kind.

Understanding Sin and Redemption

The Bible teaches that all humans are sinners and fall short of God’s glory. Homosexual behavior is one of many sins mentioned in the Bible. However, it’s essential to remember that sin is a universal condition affecting everyone, and redemption through Christ is available to all.

• Romans 3:23-24 (NKJV): “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV): “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is particularly noteworthy because it not only lists various sins but also highlights the transformative power of the gospel. The phrase “And such were some of you” underscores the change that occurs through Christ. This transformation is available to everyone, including those who engage in homosexual behavior.

Call to Holiness

Christians are called to live holy lives, turning away from all forms of sin. This call to holiness involves living according to God’s standards and encouraging others to do the same. The Bible teaches that the only sexual relationship that is sanctioned by God is between one man and one woman who are married to each other (Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:1-9). Any individual who commits a sexual sin (homosexuality, adultery, fornication) needs to repent of his sin to be right with God.

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV): “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
• Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Holiness involves a separation from sinful practices and a dedication to living in a way that reflects God’s character. This principle applies to all aspects of life, including sexuality.

Grace and Forgiveness

The Christian message is one of grace and forgiveness. Just as Christians have received grace and forgiveness from God, they are called to extend the same to others.

• Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV): “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
• Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV): “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

Grace and forgiveness are central to the Christian faith and should characterize interactions with all individuals, including those who identify as homosexual.

Addressing Discrimination

Discrimination, as previously defined, is unjust or prejudicial treatment. From a biblical standpoint, several principles can guide Christians in avoiding discriminatory behavior:

Equality Before God

The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God and are of equal value before Him. This foundational truth should guide Christian behavior towards others.

• Genesis 1:27 (NKJV): “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
• Galatians 3:28 (NKJV): “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

These verses emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan teaches an important lesson about showing compassion and mercy to others, regardless of societal prejudices.

• Luke 10:30-37 (NKJV): “Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.” So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’ And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

This parable highlights that true neighborliness involves showing mercy and kindness to those in need, regardless of their background or social status. Christians are called to emulate the Good Samaritan’s example by showing love and compassion to all people.

The Golden Rule

The principle of treating others as one would like to be treated is a fundamental teaching of Jesus.

• Matthew 7:12 (NKJV): “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

This “Golden Rule” underscores the importance of empathy and fair treatment.

Practical Applications

In the Church

In church settings, it is important to create an environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of their background or struggles. This does not mean condoning all behaviors, but rather providing a space where people can hear the gospel and experience the love of Christ.

• James 2:1-4 (NKJV): “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”

This passage warns against showing partiality or favoritism within the church. Instead, the church should be a place where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

In Society

Christians are called to be salt and light in the world, influencing society with the values of the kingdom of God.

• Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV): “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Being salt and light involves standing for truth and righteousness while also demonstrating love and compassion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christians should not discriminate against homosexuals or anyone else. The biblical principles of love, compassion, truth, and righteousness should guide Christian behavior. This means showing love and respect to all individuals, speaking the truth in love, understanding that all people are sinners in need of God’s grace. By embodying these principles, Christians can effectively witness to the transformative power of the gospel and reflect the love of Christ to a watching world.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team