Devotionals
For those of you who may have read my recent article 'God Smiled Today' in which I commended (using strong language) President Bush's decision to try to ban gay marriages and the war in Iraq, I wish to add something. Please understand that I do not take any of my words back, but meant every one. Yet, I feel the need to add something that I may not lead any astray.
As Christians, we have been saved by grace. Given that, we must extend the grace we have been shown to others. In our hatred of evil, let us not become like the Pharisees, who hated the tax collectors, prostitutes, and anyone who did not live up to their lofty ideals. Let us not, moreover, become like the man who, having been relieved of an enormous debt to his king, turned right around and choked another man who owed him a small amount. In our righteous anger, let us not sin. We should not become ungracious and unforgiving, for that is contrary to the Spirit of Christ.
That being said, we must truly hate evil and fight it wherever and however we can. Much of the time, the fight will not be of flesh and blood, but of spirit. Nevertheless, war can become necessary to prevent further evil from being visited upon people.
Moreover, at certain times, we must protect people from themselves. One argument people can make about gay marriage is this: though I see gay marriage as wrong, I shouldn't interfere with other people's freedom to marry. This arguments lacks power because one might say that though I think killing is wrong, I shouldn't interfere with another person's right to kill whom he chooses. Or, I think drug use is wrong, but I shouldn't interfere with a person's freedom to wreck his life by getting high. Similarly, part of the reason to ban gay marriage has to do with protecting homosexuals from their own practices, but also to protect other people from the damage done to the institution by the blurring of the line between what constitutes marriage in the sight of God. Marriage is an institution that was not created by man, but by God, and must be treated as such. When we tread on the institution of marriage, I do believe we tread on holy ground.
While these debates over gay marriage continue, brothers and sisters, let us pray for those who have taken part in these improper marriage ceremonies. Homosexuals, like other sinners, can be redeemed and made pure in the sight of God. The power of Jesus' death and resurrection is not limited to heterosexuals. So, let us pray for their salvation and for their sanctification.
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