Recently, Tim Hardaway was asked about a former NBA player who "came out of the closet." In response, he said that he didn't think homosexuality was right, that it shouldn't be here in the US, and that he hated gay people. He later apologized for his statement about hating gay people.As Christians, we do believe that homosexuality is wrong. However, no Christian should hate homosexuals or anyone else. Incidents like this make hearing the Christian message difficult to hear.
For those in the church, we must take a stand against homosexuality. For those outside the church, however, God is the one who judges (1 Cor. 5). Homosexuals in the world should hear from Christians a message of love first and foremost, and then a call to accept Christ. This will entain leaving behind a homosexual lifestyle. Paul lists homosexuality as a sin, but then he says "such were some of you, but you have been washed, you have been cleansed." Christ's blood and the Spirit make this kind of transformation possible. We must call people to a different life, but we must also let them know that God will help them do this.
The message of hate must be eliminated and swallowed up by the incredible love of God.
What do you think of Hardaway's comments?
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6 comments:
I completely agree that Hardaway's comments were out of line. I also believe as Christians we are to love everyone, including homosexuals. As one of my preachers use to say "Love the sinner, hate the sin." I truly believe in that statement and try my best to live it.
Amen!
James, Is Hardway meant to be a believer? If so, then he is living up to his name. I think it is wrong to totempole sin and somehow make homosexuality the terrible sin. It giets way too much of our energy. The Bible puts way more emphasis on the sins of pride and money. I'd like to see a rally againast that! With banners that "God hates the greedy!!" Somehow I doubt that is going to happen.
Alan,
I don't know if Hardaway is a believer or not.
You are absolutely right about our hangup with sexual sins. We magnify these to astronomical levels, while ignoring materialism and pride.
The Bible says that the greedy will not inherit the kingdom of God. Perhaps we don't speak about this because it hits too close to home.
Hey James,
Yes, Tim Hardaway was out of line, but I think the bigger travesty is mediums like ESPN writing commentary about how much of a big deal it is. It's an attempt to bring to light that John Amaechi wasn't the only gay player, and that there are most likely more playing on professional sports teams.
To that I say, "big deal." I couldn't care less that there are gay or straight players on a team in the NBA, NFL, etc. Sports is about sports.
No one made Mr. Amaechi decide to make that lifestyle choice or to keep it a secret until he had made his millions and retired.
Sure, we can say, "love the sinner, hate the sin," but don't often do that. The sin has a face embodied by that person and our first instinct isn't to look past it.
I don't normally say, "It really bothers me when [insert name] says/does that because I feel bad for why they're doing it." What we say is, "I can't stand to be around [insert name] because they made me so mad with their [insert offense]."
So, yes, Mr. Hardaway was out of line, but I feel more for him than I do Mr. Amaechi because Hardaway apologied and wants to move on. Amaechi continues to live in sin now being hoised up as an example for others who might want to "come out."
Marc,
It's good to have you back. I think that you are right. It is easy to say, love the sinner, hate the sin, but we often end up at least portraying an attitude of hate towards the person.
The language that I prefer is, love all people and gently call them into an encounter with Christ. This will lead to a putting away of sin.
James
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