It grieves me to think that people actually believe that they're witnessing by writing such things as "love the sinner, hate the sin" on their Facebook wall. If you posted "love the overeater but hate the food" it would have the same effect. Statements like this do little to help advance the cause of Christ.
Why is it important for Christian parents to have discussions about this matter with our kids?
1. For this generation of kids homosexuality will be a norm. It's no longer an "in the dark" sort of issue. It's talked about on school playgrounds, pop music, and on television. It's important that we enter into discussion with our kids. We've got to be willing to have these tough discussions.
2. Christian parents have the God-given responsibility to talk about faith matters at home (see Deuteronomy 6). God calls us as parents to lead in the areas of the discipleship of our children.
3. It's imperative for kids to see us walk the walk, not just talk the talk. For us to simply say to kids "being homosexual is a sin" and not ever allowing them to interact with God's Word, we're doing them a disservice. We've got to show them how to interpret scripture and how it should affect the way we live; in all areas, not just sexual matters. Kids need to see us as
parents wrestle with spiritual issues and glean understanding after having really interacted with the Word of God.
Here are some things that we might focus upon as Christian parents:
1. Church must be a safe place for everyone. That means that all sinners alike should feel welcome into the Body. Just because one person struggles in one area does not mean that we treat them any differently. If any demographic of people does not feel welcome in our churches, we've done a disservice to that particular demographic of people. The Bible clearly speaks against overeating too, are we going to isolate overeaters from feeling welcome in our congregations?
2. The validity of scripture is the foundation upon which any truth should be found. If we allow our kids to believe the argument that "that part of the Bible is outdated" or "that's not what that scripture means" we are really saying that the entire Bible is open to interpretation. To discount the validity of any piece of scripture negates the validity of all scripture. Teach your kids about the Bible. It's origins, authors, and how to determine its meaning. This is fundamental in teaching your kids to have a Biblical world view. This will shape the way they think about EVERYTHING, not just sexual sins. This is critical to living as a Christian in today's world.
3. God loves people. As followers of Jesus, we must too. No exceptions. None. Ever. For us to say things like "hate the sin and love the sinner" do not demonstrate that love. Being a friend to someone who is homosexual does.
4. When we speak truth, others will assume what we say is hateful. Just know it. Teach your kids that in taking a stand in this matter (according to scripture) they will be seen as "intolerant" or even "hateful." God's Word also says that He detests lukewarm Christians (Rev. 3:16). We can't be wishy- washy on the things of God. In taking the Biblical stance, you may
distance yourself. Whether you're seen as wrong or intolerant, love people, all people, anyways.
5. God designed sex. As with any of His creation, He also gave us guidelines concerning them. Homosexuality isn't the only way a person misuses God's gift of sex.
God has called us to have tough discussions with our kids. Sometimes this is uncomfortable. Be ok with that.
Teach them to love and value the Word of God by the way that you live. Demonstrate for them that you go to it for wisdom and direction in your daily life. Teach them it should dictate the way we view all issues in our world, not just homosexuality.