You probably heard that this past week Jen Hatmaker did an interview in which she revealed her support for gay marriage, saying that it can be holy. I don’t know Jen personally, but I believe in her sincerity and in her concern for people. I believe that she sincerely thinks that this is the best thing for the world and the best thing for the church and especially the best thing for the LGBT community.
But, sincerity isn’t enough in this case, to make what Jen is saying the best thing for anyone. We don’t have to like the fact that our sins are named in the Bible. But, we do have to acknowledge it and repent of those sins if we want to see salvation. To claim that any sin is actually a good thing is a terrible distortion of God’s word and His protections and plan for us.
We all have to be careful, especially if we’re teachers, not to dismiss sin as simply a personal choice, no matter what it is. Think of the responsibility we have here. It’s as if Jen has friends who are living in the path of a gigantic, devastating tsunami, and she is saying, “You’re fine. Don’t worry about it. Relax.” Maybe her friends say, “Are you sure? Because some people are saying we should evacuate right away.” But, Jen answers with all sincerity, “Trust me. I’ve studied this. You’re good!”
She thinks she is loving her friends. But, she is inviting them to remain in the path of destruction. I pray that Jen comes to a different understanding of these matters.
If you have been reading about this story this week and aren’t quite sure what to think, I wanted to point you here, where you can read some great responses to Jen’s interview. Pray for Jen and for the many Christians who are trying to decide where they stand on this. Pray for the LGBT community. Pray for yourself that you will repent of your own sinful ways. Pray for the teachers that we will speak the truth of God’s word even when it’s difficult to do so. And, while you’re at it, pray for this crazy presidential election, knowing all the while that God is firmly in control of all of these things, and He is a good, good Father.
I agree! Jen has totally misinterpreted God’s divinely inspired words!
I appreciate your genuinely loving, truth filled words.
I wouldn’t expect anything less from you Melissa. Very good indeed. Rosaria’s piece linked from Taylor’s is superb btw.
thank you! when people stray from orthodoxy in a public way, there are the normal folks like theologians and pastors that you expect to jump in and fight hard for truth
In this case I think it is especially important to hear from female speakers, writers, and bloggers who may have some overlap with Hatmaker’s audience, to go on record and stand for the truth in a graceful way. which you have done.
This was very well said! Love and miss y’all!
keep up the good work Melissa. I don’t read Jen’s blog so this was the first I’d heard about it. I’m pretty surprised. God wouldn’t set up “rules” or boundaries for people to hurt us; but instead, to protect us. Thanks for your words.
I really like hearing your wisdom on regular, everyday matters as well as hot topics. Thanks for putting into words sometimes what I fell but can’t articulate.