We have recently read a fair bit of discussion about the comments that Israel Folau chose to pass on publicly. I ask the question whether the debate is actually covering what the real issue is.
I am of the same faith as Folau. There are a few things that the Bible teaches and that we should remember. It is not just about the things that Folau decided to publicly highlight.
God’s Method?
First thing we know is that God’s love is unconditional. He does not love us for what we do, or what we don’t do. He loves us because he created humanity (Jn. 3:16). There are sufficient examples in the Bible of where Jesus sought out sinners. The tax collector Matthew who became one of Jesus’ disciples (Mt.9:9-10). Zacchaeus, who had to climb the tree to see Jesus pass by and was then asked to host the lunch (Lk.19:5-7). Also the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair (Lk.7:44-47). Such is the unconditional love that we are to show to our fellow men.
Who Can Judge?
The next thing we really need to remember, is that the Bible teaches us not to judge (Mt.7:1, Lk.6:37). There is the warning that if we judge other’s behaviour, God will judge us in the same way (Mt.7:2). This is a terrifying thought, because none of us is perfect. To have the God of heaven and earth judge us would be devastating. I think it would be infinitely worse than what Folau did to those who were upset by his posts.
When we take a stand as Folau did, we had better ensure that we are 100% right according to God’s law, or the consequences will fall back on us.
Lesson
It is well for us to remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does,” (2Cor.10-3). The world says, “Call out those who do wrong.” However God says, “Love your neighbour.”
If you agree with this, pray for Israel Folau.
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Not Just Writing 