The compassion of commonality

Some approach homosexuality as today’s leprosy or, perhaps as tax collectors in Jesus time. If so, shouldn’t we approach it as Jesus did the lepers and tax collectors? He associated with them. As Scripture tells us, “God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34). Jesus treated the tax collector and the leper in exactly the same way as he did others, with grace.

“If we don’t approach the issue of homosexuality with long-suffering and patience to help people through their sin, we set ourselves up for self-righteousness, which is also a sin,” said Black. “We need to bear each other’s burdens. As Christians, we should be very careful of placing limits on that.”

While willful and repetitive sin can rightfully lead to church discipline and removal, Black thinks churches should be slow to act in disciplining, exercising patience and offering support.

“Homosexuals can walk out a process of healing,” said Black. “When you excommunicate them, you turn them over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. We should err on the side of mercy rather than judgment, giving weight to grace, wisdom and discernment.”

Black noted churches often deal with homosexuality in haste, whereas other sinners – divorcees, adulterers, fornicators, pornographers, gossips – rarely find themselves so quickly going through the discipline process.

“Where is the restoration committee?” asks Black. “Discipline should lead to a restoration process . . . but it is rarely put in place. And these are our brothers and sisters.”

The Southern Baptist Convention is hopeful that local churches will help strugglers move beyond the fear of church judgment and that churches will focus instead on the reconciliation and redemption of the Cross of Christ.