Among many Christians, few actions are condemned as strongly as homosexual behaviour. Although Scripture addresses sexual immorality, the disproportionate focus on homosexuality—often viewed as the ultimate sin—contrasts sharply with the broader teachings of the Bible. Proverbs 6:16-19 enumerates seven things that God abhors, with homosexuality conspicuously missing from this list.
Instead, it highlights issues such as pride, deceit, and sowing discord, which are frequently present even within church communities. This selective condemnation prompts a critical question: “Does the church’s strict stance on homosexuality truly reflect the grace and mercy exemplified by Christ?”
- The Biblical Call to Grace Over Judgment
The foundation of Christianity rests on the truth that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If this is true, why do some sins—particularly homosexuality—elicit such fervent condemnation while others, like greed or hypocrisy, are often overlooked?
Jesus modelled a ministry of radical grace. He dined with tax collectors, defended an adulterous woman (John 8:3-11), and forgave a sinful woman who washed His feet (Luke 7:36-48). Notably, He never singled out homosexual individuals for rebuke, though they certainly existed in His time. Instead, His harshest words were reserved for religious leaders who condemned others while ignoring their own sins (Matthew 23).
- The Danger of Hypocritical Condemnation
Revelation 12:10 identifies Satan as “the accuser of our brethren.” When Christians take up the role of condemning sinners—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community—they risk aligning with the very spirit Christ opposed. This is especially so when considering His specific instruction to avoid judging (Matthew 7:1-5).
Consider also Paul’s warning:
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 2:1)
The early church struggled with sin just as we do today. Paul’s letters addressed specific moral failures in Gentile congregations, but they were pastoral corrections, not universal condemnations. Yet, many modern Christians universally treat his words as doctrinal mandates while ignoring Christ’s direct teachings on mercy and humility.
- True Worship Focuses on God, Not Sin
Revelation 4:8-11 depicts heavenly worship—not as a gathering of sinners pointing fingers at each other, but as creatures and elders glorifying God alone. Authentic worship leaves no room for self-righteous condemnation of others. Those judging others in that manner should be cognizant of the reason for the debilitating condition in humanity.
Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee boasted of his righteousness, while the tax collector—a known sinner—pleaded for mercy. Jesus declared the repentant sinner justified, not the proud religious man.
- The Modern Church’s Misplaced Priorities
Jesus’ mission does not absolve anyone among the sinners of this world. The only escape is the calling towards being born again. This implies condemning the physical condition in oneself, to uphold Christ in the Spirit. Today, due to upholding the physical condition, many churches obsess over homosexuality while neglecting Christ’s core mission:
- Preaching repentance and forgiveness (Luke 24:47)
- Loving neighbours unconditionally (Matthew 22:39)
- Serving the marginalised (James 1:27)
In Zimbabwe and beyond, political and religious leaders exploit anti-gay rhetoric to posture as moral guardians. Taking comfort in the posture of condemning homosexuals is not different from that Pharisee whose prayer was outsmarted by a tax collector (Luke 18:10-14). They even fall into the trap of being abused by treacherous politicians, hiding behind the condemnation of homosexuals. Yet Jesus never commanded His followers to purge society of sinners—He called them to transform hearts through the Gospel.
- A Call to Christ-like Reflection
Christianity entails a state of being aligned in thought and spirit with Christ, requiring self-reflection in light of His teachings. Before condemning others, Christians must ask:
- Are we imitating Christ’s compassion or the Pharisees’ hypocrisy?
- Do we focus more on others’ sins than our own need for grace?
- Are we building the church on love or judgment?
Critical Evaluation of Jesus’ Teachings
An essential question is whether Jesus ever passed judgment during His time on earth. Could He have been critical and sternly judging sinners while simultaneously teaching, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2)? The role of the church is not to enforce morality but to guide individuals to Christ, the only one capable of truly transforming hearts.
Conclusion: Returning to the Heart of Christianity
The Gospel is about redemption, not moral superiority. If Christians dedicated as much energy to loving sinners as they do to condemning them, the church would better reflect the Jesus who declared: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Let us shift from condemnation to grace, remembering that the greatest threat to Christianity has never been homosexuality—but hypocrisy. The primary reason for Jesus’ crucifixion was hypocrisy, not homosexuality or other appalling sins in this world.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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