Chapter 11
(Mark 9:35 NRSV). Paul admonished
believers to imitate Christ’s humility
and to “regard others as better than
yourselves” (Philippians 2:3b NRSV).
Those who have been labeled
“disabled” by our social world face many
challenges. While they may not be the
most beautiful to behold or exhibit the
most charming behavior, God often uses
those who are weak in the eyes of the
world to do great things for Christ.
Disabled people, far from being a
burden, often are a great blessing to their
families. When Christians selflessly serve
those incapable of expressing their
gratitude, they honor the example of
Jesus Christ.A Christian Response to HomosexualityWhile there is debate among
thoughtful Christians, conservative
Christians believe the Bible does not
condone homosexuality or same-sex
unions. The covenant of marriage is God’s
design for a man and a woman—not two
of the same sex (Genesis 1:27–28; 2:20–24; Proverbs 31:10–31; 1 Corinthians
7:2–5). The majority of Christian
scholars agree that a biblical marriage is
a marriage between one man and one
woman (White & Niell, 2002).
The Bible asks Christians to align
themselves with God’s design for
relationships. While condemning the sin,
Christians must not condemn the sinner.
Christians must always reach out to
others with a loving attitude. When Jesus
ministered to the Samaritan woman by
the well, He did not approach her with
condemnation. He spoke the truth about
her situation, engaged her in discussion,
and told her who He was. Her decision
to accept that truth and change her life
ultimately led many others to Christ
(John 4:5–42). Christians often avoid
people who claim to be homosexual.
Isolation can lead to elitism, which does
little to promote the love of Jesus Christ.
By coming alongside people from all
walks of life and by modeling an
authentic Christian lifestyle, Christians
can have a transforming effect on those
who most need God’s love and grace.