PRIDE screams for a bold response of Christ-like Humility
Each June the LGBTQ+ community launches their annual PRIDE festivities to celebrate alternative sexuality, gender and lifestyle choices confronting Christians with an array of challenges.
- Is Homosexuality a Sin?
- How do I “love my neighbor” who is unrepentant in their Sin?
- How do I respond when openly confronted with PRIDE messages?
- How far should I go to oppose PRIDE?
First, God’s Word clearly and consistently defines homosexuality and transgenderism as Sin. Do not be persuaded by progressive narratives to the contrary.
- Leviticus 18:22, “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. It is an abomination.”
- Jude 1:7, “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”
- Romans 1:26-28, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:9, “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.”
- 1 Timothy 9-10, “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”
- Deuteronomy 22:5, “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
Second, all will be held to account in the Final Judgment. It is only through repentance from Sin and Faith in Jesus Christ that Man can be saved for all Eternity from the punishment we ALL deserve. Christians ought counter PRIDE, not in Anger or Hatred, but with humble faithfulness to God, love of his Law, and pursuit of Christ-likeness.
We know that Jesus LOVED perfectly. He sought to save that which was lost. He repeatedly instructed us to honor God and humbly obey His commandments. In the end, He laid down his life to pay for our sins. Biblical, Christ-like LOVE, therefore, does not celebrate sin. “Love Your Neighbor” demands that we first examine ourselves – removing the log from our own eye (Mat 7:5). We can then rightly judge, rebuke, encourage and evangelize the Sinner, and proclaim God’s Word, which is Truth and the power unto Salvation.
Calling out Sin according to Biblical principles models the love Christ showed to sinners throughout his ministry. While it is uncomfortable and often anger-inducing to the sinner, it is the exact opposite of “hate speech”.
In all settings – school, work, shopping, media, even churches (!) – PRIDE is on full display. Christian obedience demands we follow Christ’s example and not only resist, but counter these messages. So what is appropriate resistance to PRIDE? Passive Resistance involves NOT participating in the parades, parties, etc… While better than encouraging or condoning the sins of the Culture, the passive response falls short of the Christian’s commission (Eph 4:29, John 4:24, 2 Timothy 2:15, John 17:17, Zec 8:15 et al).
Active Resistance, required and appropriate, should be measured and approached biblically. Acts, or even thoughts, of violence and hatred violate the Lord’s Commandments. Rather, our God-mandated, counter-culture “battle card” should be the same in June as at all times:
- Humbly examine our own hearts and life for Sin. Confess and repent of your own sins.
- Pray for the lost, our culture, our civic leaders and our Church.
- Share the Gospel.
- Create opportunities to promote God’s truth.
- Lovingly rebuke & encourage the lost.
At Grace Covenant, we are sensitive to “hate” claims. Our hearts break for the Lost. We know too many friends and family who are hard-hearted and cold to God’s Truth. We care deeply for all of God’s creation and want to encourage ALL to Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We rejoice when God softens the heart of a sinner and brings one to Salvation, and pray we are useful to Him to accomplish that end.
What We Believe – Grace Covenant Church (gracecovenantrh.org)
