Early this past Sunday morning I heard the news of the Orlando massacre at a gay nightclub. My first thought was, “O God please, not some misguided Christian fundamentalist fanatic!” I still remember that before 9-11, there was Oklahoma City and the perpetrator was Timothy McVea.
As the news of the horror of Orlando began sink in, there was no relief. How could there be? Over a hundred young people wounded and killed. The terrorist claimed allegiance to ISIS, but that did not bring relief. The remarks of POTUS did not help. He has chosen to frame the issue in terms of partisan politics, instead of an international conflict. But frankly, none of this brings relief. Why? Because I’m left with the nightmare that it could have been “a misguided Christian fundamentalist fanatic.”
I have no sympathy for the gay political agenda, but I have great sympathy for gay people. At this moment, when many gays are frightened, mourning, and angry, I am one with them.
I can’t help but remember the many sermons I’ve heard railing against homosexuals that used language that was filled with anger and bigotry. Jesus warned that our language is a weapon that could endanger our souls.
You have heard that our ancestors were told, “You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.” But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell (Matthew 5:21-22 NLT).
Some of us have been so anxious to curse and condemn homosexuals in their sinfulness, that we have failed to hear the warning of Jesus as it applies to us – “if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” Words of anger and bigotry condemn the speaker. When Christians speak words of anger and cursing about gays, or Muslims, they speak a curse against themselves. James exhorted,
Sometimes it [the tongue] praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! (James 3:9-10 NLT).
The language we use reveals the condition of our heart (Luke 6:45). I am content to allow God to be the final judge of all humanity. Also, I desire to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all those (all of us) who have been caught in sin – “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (cf. John 8:1ff). Instead of using language as an instrument of cursing, all Christians must learn to speak love, peace, and mercy. The words of the gospel are words of blessing and life.
