God’s Word on Hate Crimes

Chris E. Steele

God’s word is not silent on the subject of hatred. The message of the gospel is that God doesn’t hate anyone (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). He wants us to be like him in that we should not hate even our enemies (Matthew 5:43ff). The only thing that God does hate is sin (Psalm 119:104; Amos 5:15; Zechariah 8:17), and he wants us to do the same (Psalm 37:27; 97:10). With this in mind, Paul said that God loves those who are homosexual, but He does not love what they do. In order to be pleasing to God, change is required. The apostle wrote, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-12 NKJV).

It should be obvious that God does not want people to be hateful and violent toward anyone (Romans 12:17, 21; Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 4:31; 1 Thessalonians 3:12). But preaching against sinful activity, and emphasizing the need to repent and change, is not being hateful. In fact, it is the most loving thing that we can do (Luke 13:3; Romans 12:9; 13:10). Now with these things in mind, consider the following.

It was announced some weeks ago, that the controversial “hate-crimes” bill was never brought to a vote in the House of Representatives after it was determined that it would be at least 40 votes short of passage. The House received the bill from the Senate as an attachment to a military authorization bill. If the bill had passed and become law, it would be a crime to cause “willful bodily injury to any person because of actual or perceived gender sexual orientation or gender identity.” In other words it would be a crime for anyone to hurt a person who is homosexual or who one may think is homosexual.

This bill has generated quite a bit of discussion. Many lawmakers feel that we already have laws to punish anyone who would commit violent acts on anyone else. So why the push for a specific law aimed at homosexuals? Some feel it is paving the way for more acceptance and tolerance of homosexual behavior in our country. We are very aware of the push in many states for same-sex marriage and all that goes with it (adopting children, insurance benefits, etc.).

Why do these issues concern us as Christians? Some believe that if this bill becomes law, anyone making negative comments concerning homosexuality (i.e. calling the practice of homosexuality a sin from the pulpit, writing and printing anything in opposition to this perversion of sexuality, or protesting any advancement of this ungodly sin) would be challenged in court as a hate crime.

Is our first amendment right under attack? Could this affect our freedom of religion, speech, press, or assembly? Could it be a crime someday to preach on Sodom and Gomorrah, or Leviticus 20:13, or Romans 1:26-28, or 1 Corinthians 6:9? Is it possible that one day we could be accused of a hate crime, punishable by law, for discussing homosexuality in a Sunday School class. What about a Christian’s comments outside of the church’s assemblies? Could we be arrested or have to pay a fine because we said negative things about the homosexual lifestyle, holding to biblical beliefs that this behavior is morally wrong?

Does this seem far-fetched? Have we forgotten the dismissal of General Peter Pace, apparently over issues which included his public comments of moral opposition to homosexual behavior. In Canada, one cannot legally criticize homosexuality in public, because of their “hate crimes” law includes sexual orientation. Even the quoting of Scriptures that condemn homosexuality can be illegal. In Sweden a minister was sentenced to 30 days in jail for preaching a sermon in which he said homosexuality is wrong.

Brethren, this writing is not intended to be political, but to encourage us as Christians; as God’s representatives in this world. We must be alert and know that the devil will use everything he can to shake our faith and plant the seed of fear. Remember, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Pray for our leaders and lawmakers (1 Timothy 2:1-3). The Bible still says “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

As Americans, we have a say in what goes on in our government. Let our voices be heard! As Christians we have an obligation to continue to speak for truth and righteousness. Let our voices be heard! No matter what happens; no matter how ungodly and immoral the people around us may become; no matter what — we must never bow to man. As the apostles faced beatings and imprisonment for preaching the message of Christ, they courageously declared, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).