Let’s Extend Hope and Love to Them
ICS Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians 6:9 (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,

Many people who have gender confusion or practise homosexuality are actually struggling with their identity and living in confusion. This community is crying out for acceptance from the public to endorse their alternative lifestyle because they think the cure to their emotional stress and the torment of their souls is acceptance by society. However, since the root of rejection started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were booted out, acceptance by God is the only thing that will give us rest and a definite sense of security. Therefore, as individual believers and the church, we must pray for this community and act in love towards them at the same time.

Perhaps your company has a new inclusive policy for LGBTQ because they embrace diversity. Should you simply quit in response? No, but you should abide by your biblical view on homosexuality because you are entitled to your biblical view. If you were an HR Director of the company who has been tasked with executing the new policy, you have no control over the decision of the company, but you can remain impartial towards the individuals, yet be separated from their lifestyle. Jesus lived and ate with sinners without condoning their sins or lifestyles but took time to minister to them when the opportunity arose.

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Let’s be mindful not to be judgemental but be gracious, because we all fall short of the glory of God and we too are sinners saved by grace. We are not to condemn or hate them but to usher them to Jesus. They are to fall into God’s hand of grace, and many might feel miserable deep within. If the church were to ostracise them, where else can they turn to? The Church must always be God’s representative where people find refuge and a haven.

We should not condemn homosexuals and those who have gender confusion but share the biblical standard with them and make sure that we love them by pointing them to Jesus. There is hope in the redemption work of Jesus Christ and His abilities in and through the new creation. While we do not condone their lifestyle, we are to welcome them to church so that they can listen to and know the truth. We should allow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to minister to them and let light shine into their hearts. There will come a time of visitation from the Lord when they awaken to the truth that they are lost, confused, and disillusioned. The church is the only place where they should find true love, friendship and a group of people who speaks the truth to them in love.

Sermon Series: Natural or Unnatural