Overnight, all comment boards became civil, all posters held accountable. The trolls, who had more or less overtaken the internet, were driven back into the darkness. —Dave Eggers, The Circle
If you identify with the American Church at all, you’ve likely overheard the Church’s conversation regarding sexuality. Hard words have been volleyed back and forth—all in the name of Christ—and it’s difficult to watch.
The Church is divided by questions like: Does nature or nurture affect sexual orientation? Does every homosexual believer become heterosexual? What roles can a homosexual person fill inside a church?
Now, I don’t mind the questions. In fact, I have opinions on the shifting climate of societal norms. And if I wanted to voice my opinions on these issues, I’m granted the right to do so by my country and the Constitution.
But consider this: if I shared my opinions, then some friends might stop being my friend. Some readers might stop reading. Some church family members might stop attending. So I don’t—not because I’m afraid of losing anyone, but because these are just opinions. And opinions aren’t worth isolating family, both biological and spiritual. When did our view of sexuality and homosexuality become the litmus test for fellowshipping with each other?
We are in search of unity! How can Jesus, who was sent by God “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), keep controversial issues from dividing us?
We’ll find our answer as we discover what it means to be “full,” the same word used in Matthew 14:20 to describe the feeding of the 5,000. It says people ate and were full—so full that the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of leftovers.
We need this embodiment of grace and truth because we live in Christ before a culture that says anything goes and all ideas are equally valid.
Lord, if I’m feeling depleted of energy, lonely for company, out of patience, or taxed in love, please encourage me. I want to be full of grace so the people in my life will encounter Your extravagant love. I want to be full of truth so my conversations give Life. Amen.
Learn more from Pete’s teaching on Luke, What Will Jesus Do?