I contemplated writing this, not because of fear, but because of how complicated and complex it can become. But simplicity is what I aim for.

I am a strong advocate for speaking up about what you believe in, especially if you are given the platform to do so, and sticking by it. A wise man once told us,

“If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” – Malcolm X

What I am not in support of is spewing hate of any kind, especially if you consider yourself a Christian.

A few weeks ago, a well-acclaimed gospel singer by the name of Kim Burrell gave a sermon in which she received a lot of backlash for. I paid no mind to it until I realized that it went viral. I came across the transcription of the section of the sermon in which she spoke about the LGBTQ community. Now, it was pretty graphic, but I’ll insert a few lines so you’ll get the idea of what I am referring to:

“I came to tell you about sin… That sin nature… You as a man, you open your mouth and take a man’s penis in your face, you are perverted.”

There was more, but you get the idea. If you have any knowledge of or are familiar with the black church, you’d know that the message homosexuality is painted as the biggest sin of them all. Followed by sex and a baby before marriage, and lastly what they call “shacking up,” which is living with your significant other while fulfilling the roles of husband and wife before marriage.

The problem with that mentality is that there is no direct order of sin. There is no sin that is more significant than the other.

One of my issues, frustrations rather, with her statement, is that she begins by saying “let me tell you about sin,” then dives into this homosexual scenario – because there was no other way she could’ve addressed sin, right?

I know of churches that have kicked gays/lesbians out of the church or have singled them out publicly.

The bible doesn’t teach that.

If you are a Christian, then you believe in the Bible. Not just some of it, but all of it. The Bible does talk about homosexuality as being a sin but so is being straight and telling a lie or being married and cheating on your significant other. They are all considered sins, none being the ultimate sin you can commit.

"God hates the sin but loves the sinner" (Romans 5:8).

I am not here to preach, nor am I here to bash Kim Burrell and others with the mindset alike. But my parents taught me the ways of the world and most importantly, they taught me the ways of God.

And above all, God’s message is love.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:17