The colors of the rainbow are being flashed on backdrops, t-shirts, billboards, company logos, and so much more to support those who have chosen a homosexual lifestyle. The symbol of the rainbow was adopted to proclaim pride by this community. June was established as “pride month” where other members of society were encouraged to celebrate this lifestyle and encourage those in it. Since the Bible has not changed its view of homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27), or any other sexual sin, here are some thoughts for the devoted follower of Jesus Christ and pride month.
One, you can love someone and not affirm their behavior. Parents do this all the time with children who misbehave. Christians can sincerely communicate love and care while not agreeing with how a person lives. In fact, it is not loving to encourage someone to continue in a lifestyle that the Bible says violates the law of God. If a heterosexual friend was sexually involved before marriage and was looking for affirmation for their chosen lifestyle, I would say, “I love you but what you are doing violates God’s law.” The Bible says that love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (I Corinthians 13:6, NASB). You can love people and not affirm their behavior.
Two, to affirm someone in their sinful behavior is destructive. Through the years, I have encountered people who wanted my affirmation for their sinful choice. I have also found myself explaining to others my sinful choice with the hope they would affirm and understand. If the Bible teaches that sin brings death – and it does – we should help each other out of sin and not encourage it. The Bible says, “…whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins” (James 5:20, NLT).
Three, the Bible is the moral standard for right and wrong. The follower of Jesus Christ does not gauge right and wrong by the Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, or Oprah Winfrey. The Christian determines what is holy and unholy by Scripture and not culture. We look to the Word and not the world. As much as our present society pushes every kind of sexual sin as good, the follower of Jesus Christ understands from the Bible that God’s plan for sex is between a man and a woman in a marriage relationship. We do not yield to human craving or desire. We do not buy into the philosophy, “If it feels good, do it.” We believe that God’s way is the best way to live life in every area of life.
Four, God’s love does not depend on behavior. He loves us despite our choices. The Bible says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, NLT). His death on the cross delivered us from the penalty of sin. His work in our lives today is continually delivering us from the power of sin. God wants the very best for all our lives. Let’s not celebrate anything less.