The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) political movement is no friend to traditional Christianity. There is little doubt that in order to promote their political movement, the LGBT radicals have no compunction in denying to Christians the rights of free exercise of religion and free speech. I have read many of their articles and listened to their arguments. Their narrative is that because Christians view their sexual preference/activity as immoral, Christianity is a religion of hate.
With that said, it’s time for confession. Too many Christians have portrayed themselves as angry, hostile, and hateful. It seems that we are too anxious to cast the first stone of condemnation, or call down fire and brimstone from the heavens. Christians should never forget that we are not of the world and therefore the world will hate Christians (John 17:14); but to this world we are called to be ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). Instead of hastily calling down fire from heaven, Christians must persist in long suffering offering grace to all of fallen humanity (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
In the course of public dialogue some Christians have suggested that Jesus would celebrate same-sex marriages. One commentator even suggested that Jesus would bake the wedding cake. While there is nothing in Scripture or Tradition to suggest that Jesus would affirm a same-sex marriage, I believe that we must answer some important questions about grace and hospitality. Should a bakery owned by Christians bake the wedding cake? Should a florist owned by Christians provide the flowers? Should a restaurant owned by Christians provide the catering? How can Christians demonstrate grace to the LGBT community?
I want to address this from two perspectives. First, political oppression is to be expected. That is nothing new for the Christian faith. So, how do Christians respond to political oppression? Jesus said,
But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you… love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… (Matthew 5:39-44).
Likewise, the Apostle Paul wrote,
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).
Christians should be free to express conscientious objections; or in the case of severe oppression Christians may express civil disobedience through non-violent resistance (Acts 5:28-29). But frankly, for Christians personal rights are not the priority. Christians are called to self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25), to “give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10). With all honesty, I do not wish my charitable acts to result in the demise of my opponent with coals of fire upon his head. I am prayerful that my charitable acts will win my opponent so that he may become my friend and brother (Matthew 5:25; 1 Corinthians 9:19).
Second, Jesus proclaimed, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Likewise, the Apostle Peter exhorted, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10). Following the example of Christ, Christians should be committed to serve all humanity through the gift of service. Hospitality is a grace of the Holy Spirit and as such should be extended to all. There are many examples of righteous persons who were called to faithfully serve under duress. Joseph was sold into slavery, but faithfully served Potiphar. As an exile, Daniel faithfully served four kings, all of whom worshiped pagan gods. Paul alludes to Christians who served in Caesar’s household, certainly a place known for idolatry and immorality (Philippians 4:22). Christians are often called upon to serve in the corridors of darkness. But then what better place to be children of the light? Paul exhorted, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).
Christian entrepreneurs should make “excellence in hospitality to everyone” the mission of their businesses. So, bake the cake. Provide the flowers. Cater the party. Dine with sinners. Do it in the spirit of Christian hospitality. See it as an opportunity to demonstrate the grace of Christ. Your religious sensibilities may be challenged. You may be offended by the behavior. In your season of oppression, remember the words of Peter:
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong (1 Peter 3:14-17).
