WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on 2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭NASB2020

“I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; You have been a close friend to me. Your love for me was more wonderful than the love of women.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

David, after hearing the death of Saul and Jonathan, mourned and composed a song. In this part, we learned that their friendship is strong. David expressed that Jonathan's love for David is "more wonderful than the love of women." This is a hyperbolic/emphasized expression. This is NOT, in case you didn't know, a "proof text" that unrepentant and sinful people use to justify that gay/homosexuality is acceptable in God's sight. This is why it's so crucial to read God's word in its context with a careful observation then interpretation. We must go through these interpretative filters: the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of Jesus, and the promise of His return. Application can then be drawn out from biblical interpretation. Male friendship is encouraged in the Bible. And even when it hyperbolically emphasizes the strong bonding, it does not suggest nor confirm any male sexual relationship or activities. Homosexuality is a sin according to God's word (cf. Leviticus 20:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). But there is always hope in grace and truth in Jesus for those who repent (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:11). How can we engage and help LGBTQ people? Simple first listen to their pains, then if they want to ask your opinion, you can share God's word on this. Keep it cool. There is no point to debate or argue. There is no need to persuade them. Just simply present the way, the truth, and life by speaking the truth in love.