Because we are given grace, we are also called to give grace.
She IS “still learning,” as she says in her own words. But I believe that Lauren Daigle is learning a different lesson than she insisted in this interview. Not one of whether or not homosexuality is a sin, but rather a lesson of how to speak truth even when it threatens your friendships and popularity.
And isn’t that something that we’re ALL continuously learning? I’m positive Lauren is not naive to the Christian life. This is not new territory for her.
The 27-year-old was put in a really crappy position with this question—but one that we know we will face as Christians.
The Bible tells us to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:14). This is strategic. God knows we are going to face opposition. He knows we are going to have to answer questions that condemn people’s sins. But He teaches us exactly HOW to do it.
And in thinking about her response off and on for the last few days, I’m forced to take a look at myself and my own heart, and really question how I would answer such a question if I were in Lauren’s shoes.
If I’m being honest, I think I would have completely botched it. Not because I don’t know the Truth, but because Satan plays on people’s feelings.
A Truthful answer is not what the world wants. They want a feel-good answer. One that doesn’t convict of wrongdoings, and doesn’t provoke them to turn from their ways.
But when we get down into it, Nati’s question is not really one about homosexuality. At least, it doesn’t have to be.
Our society has this fixation on one specific sin, as if it’s worse than another sin.
But Y’all, God is very clear: sin is sin. No sin is worse or greater than another. No person is seen as more righteous than another simply based on the type of sin they commit. All sin is bad and all sin is displeasing to the Lord.
So what if Nati had asked Lauren Daigle for her take on sexual sin as a whole? Or what if she had taken his polarizing question, and responded in a way that broadens people’s understanding?
Don’t we know as believers, that any form of sexual behavior outside the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, is sinful?
I’m not talking homosexual sex here. I’m talking about premarital sex, infidelity within marriages, affairs, even lustful thoughts.
Haven’t we all, by that measure, committed sexual sin? Haven’t we all acted on our human instincts and temptations in a way that is displeasing to the Lord?
The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The wages of sin is death. But because Jesus came and died a brutal death on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, we can walk in the Freedom of Christ.
The Truth is that yes, homosexuality is a sin. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love those who sin differently than we do.
To truly love others like Lauren said she loves the people in her life who identify as homosexual, we have to tell the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Author John Wesley Reid writes this: “God’s command to love everyone was NOT a call to love their sin. Indeed, our love for people should fuel our hate for sin. You’ve been given the chance to be a shining beacon. But don’t shine for culture. Shine for Jesus, and shine His light into the very culture that desperately needs Him.”
May we be a generation of believers who boldly proclaims the truth of the Gospel, and uses gentleness and respect to combat the cultural exceptions of this world. Our response is not ultimately to the world, but to our King.
And may we never look only to those in the spotlight for our Truth, but seek the Lord first for His guidance and conviction. Because at the end of the day, even Lauren Daigle is only human, and people will always fail us.
