An example for the church.
What did Jesus do when someone wouldn’t accept his grace? Well, he simply let them walk away. When the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-24) refused to follow the invitation of Jesus, he wasn’t condemned or ridiculed; he was just released—no fanfare or loud rejections or corrections—just a quiet exit.
I wonder what our churches would look like if we followed this example? What if we embraced “sinners” as boldly as Jesus did, shared Scripture in love, challenged their core beliefs—and if they walk away, let them go in kindness and mercy?
Should we welcome homosexuals into our churches? Yes. Does that mean we approve of their lifestyle? No. Will it cause people to talk and wonder where we stand? Yes. But that shouldn’t stop us from extending the grace of Christ to everyone who crosses our path.
It didn’t stop Jesus.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. If a gay couple walked into your church this Sunday, what would happen? What should happen?