- I am a Christian: I believe that God exists and that he does not change (Isaiah 43:11). I believe that the Bible is the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). I believe that Jesus Christ is the only means to Heaven (John 14:6).
- I believe that each of us (EVERY SINGLE ONE) is a sinner based on Jesus' teaching regarding the Ten Commandments in Matthew 5. Please read the additional definitions and examples of sin found in Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
- Fortunately for all of us sinners, Jesus offers us redemption through his miracle birth, death on the cross, and most importantly, His resurrection. Romans 3:23-24 (NIV) says, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." As believers, we have merely to confess our sins to be forgiven (1 John 1:9).
Personally, I am guilty of more sin than I can begin to name here. But I have confessed my sins to God and am confident that I am forgiven of them. Do I still struggle? Of course. I am human and every man and woman struggles with his or her sinful nature. I pray constantly to stay in God's will. Am I successful? Ha! I trip and fall every single day (sometimes, every hour of the day!), but I do acknowledge my shortcomings and ask for forgiveness.
So to answer the million dollar question, yes, I believe where the Bible states that homosexuality is sin. Is it worse than my many sins? Hardly. Do I condemn my friends and family who are homosexual? I do not. I pray for them often, and pray for my own understanding and compassion to the issues that they face. And frankly, I hope they are praying for me and my sins as well.
Perhaps the most important issue raised by this video and associated commentary is whether it is possible to be conservative (as in - adherent to traditional, Biblical values) AND tolerant (as in - demonstrating the love of Christ without condoning sin)? I sure hope so. Is that how I live? Depending on who you ask, the answer may be a resounding "NO" these days. But it IS the model to which I aspire. I'm hopeful.
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