1 Corinthians 6:6–11 (ESV) —
6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
NOTE: To bring another brother to court means everybody loses, even the person who so-called "wins." Because, what have you accomplished? You receive some earthly temporal satisfaction -- is it worth it? Anything you "win" is loss in eternity (in more ways than one). You receive revenge upon a brother -- is that what Christ has called us to? You feel justified -- is pride a good look for a believer. Satan certainly likes it.
In 15 versions of the bible, verse nine includes homosexuality (I only looked at 15). There are three Greek words used. One of the words has a suggestion of a person who keeps young boys around for their sexual pleasure. Keener writes that bisexuality was very common among Greeks. Socrates practiced it, and Plato wrote about this unnatural "love." I put the word "love" in quotes because it is not really love, it is a selfish act meant to satisfy a person's body. This behavior is destructive, both to the person and to the object of their lust. But, people who participate in homosexual activity are like all sinners (which we all are) and should be treated as human beings made in the image of God. Some things might change, like a drunkard might have his car keys taken away, but not his job or food. A gossip might be ignored by others. A liar may not be able to get a job in sales (unfortunately not true). A tax cheat might be forced to pay a fine. A sexual abuser of children may find his freedom reduced to protect other children. Sin has consequences, but people still remain people and deserve to be treated as human beings.
PONDER:
- Do I take my actions seriously?
- Do I look to root out known and unknown sin?
PRAYER: Father, as David prayed:
Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV) — 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Help me to see what I don't know and to be serious about what I do know.
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