Threat or Opportunity

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
John 15:18-19

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being 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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
1 Peter 3:14-17

If there is an area that our culture has championed that clearly dismisses what the Lord has said in his word, it is the area of sexuality. For a follower of Christ to remain committed to the biblical position that sex is a gift created solely for one man and woman in marriage is to invite the kind of hate and reviling described in the passage above. As Peter says later in his epistle, we should not “surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you” (4:12).

So how should followers of Christ respond? Ultimately, not with fear or anger from a posture of being threatened, but rather with “gentleness and respect” in recognition of an opportunity. An opportunity to stand with Christ’s affirmation of God’s original design of marriage and sexuality (Mt. 19:4-6). An opportunity to stand with him also in his invitation for all to come and find rest in him (Mt. 11:28-30). An opportunity to share “a reason for the hope that is in [us]” because of Christ. An opportunity to extend community and hospitality and friendship to those struggling with sexual temptation of various kinds. An opportunity to remember and encourage others with the truth that no created thing, whether sex or anything else, can ever fill the hole in our hearts like Christ can.