filmstroemstock / Depositphotos.com
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I apologize for bringing up the hurtful past. Let us recall the time that Fred Phelps and his followers visited Wausau in 2003. They went around the country and protested outside churches that, they claimed, weren’t strong enough in preaching against homosexuality.
Fred Phelps was the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church. It’s slogan: “God Hates Fags.”
In Wausau, they picketed outside First United Methodist Church and chanted at parishioners as they left Sunday service.
Let us consider for a moment whom God hates. God hates no one; He hate the things we do… not us.
God hates when people lie, cheat, and steal. Scripture says God detests when people are dishonest. God hates a deceitful tongue. God hates when people rush in and further controversies.
Scripture tells us that God hates when a man cheats on his wife. The Bible calls such infidelity ruinous. One who cheats on his marriage vows will lose everything he has. Scripture says one who disrupts a marriage will face the wrath of the wronged party. The bible has similar warnings for unfaithful women.
The old testament has much to say about sexual purity. A man shall not lie with another man as he lies with a woman. Humans shall not have sexual contact with animals, or with their relatives.
But nowhere in the Bible does it say God hates adulterers. He hates the act of adultery. God doesn’t hate liars; He hates the telling of lies. And no, members of the Westboro Baptist Church, God doesn’t hate fags. He hates homosexual acts.
And unfortunately for Fred Phelps followers, God hates when people sew dissent in the community. Proverbs 6: 19. God hates when someone sturs up discord among believers.
God hates the sinful things you and I do. We ought to repent. He is ready to forgive. But always remember God loves us. Each one of us.
Chris Conley
Comments