The Sunday Mail
Pastor Tinashe Zinyemba Christian Youth
FEBRUARY is almost coming to an end and for some in tertiary institutions, the new semester has just started.
The famous Chinese proverb says, “The journey of a thousand miles begin with one step”. Unfortunately we tend to relax and then complain when we fail to achieve what we set out to do.
I saw an interesting quote which said, “Even though a rain drop is small and by itself does not have much of an effect, many small rain drops will cause rivers to flow”.
In essence, small consistent efforts result in a build-up of momentum and great rewards. Commit to a task and consistently apply yourself to it and even though the rewards do not appear immediately, soon you will begin to see them.
We continue with our topic of love with a focus on sexual immorality among the Christian youth. During the Valentine season, many young people go beyond the normal boundaries, hence the need to encourage each other to remain grounded.
In this installment we explore incest, rape and homosexuality.
Incest occurs when two people who are closely related indulge in sexual relations.
Rape is when someone is forced into sexual activities against their will.
Homosexuality is when individuals of the same gender engage in sexual activities.
The Bible has got numerous references for all of these cases.
In Deuteronomy 27:20-23, Scripture pronounces a curse on all who indulge in such activities. Sleeping with a parent, sibling, cousin, aunt or uncle is unbecoming in our culture as Africans and even more so before God. When you do so you pronounce a curse on yourself. If you are a child of an incestuous relationship do not feel ashamed or troubled by this, you are not the one who indulged in it. Stay pure and humble before God.
Rape is also mentioned in Scripture. I will refer to 2 Samuel 13:5-20 which talks of Tamar and Amnon who are half-brother and half-sister. Both are the children of David, the king of Israel. Amnon lusted after his sister, Tamar, to the extent of raping her. After the act he began to hate her, he had shamed her and she was broken to the core. This is a story of both incest and rape.
If you have been raped, I want to extend my heartfelt commiserations to you. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be your comfort and will heal the wound that you have in your soul. I advise you to get professional counselling from a trained professional as well as spiritual guidance from a mature and trusted believer.
Probably the most detailed account of rape in the Bible is found in Judges 19, the act is so horrific that it actually results in war within the nation of Israel. Rape is a terrible experience for one to find themselves in, may the love of God and His divine grace see you through.
If you have committed the act of rape, shame on you! I have no idea what could have driven you to that point.
Maybe you are also a victim of rape, or maybe something took over you, or it was just lust. I am told that some women are now raping men for sexual potions to make money. Either way, that is a despicable act, punishable in Zimbabwe should you be found guilty.
I cannot speak for your victim when it comes to reconciliation and forgiveness but I can assure that it will haunt you, the perpetrator, for the rest of your life. You need to repent and get help. Fortunately for you, God is gracious and is willing to forgive and help you to become a better person. However, the starting point is true repentance and realisation of how terrible your actions were. With God’s help and self-discipline, you will become better.
In Genesis 19, we have the case of Sodom and Gomorrah where two angels come to the house of Lot and a crowd of men, both young and old, almost break down the door to Lots’ house. They wanted to have sexual relations with these two angels! The region had morally decayed to such an extent and God had to destroy them all, save for Lot and his two daughters.
Homosexuality has never been acceptable as evidenced by the passage above. God hates it. Maybe you were initiated into it when you were young by an older person, maybe you were abused or maybe you were doing it for fun at school and now it is your lifestyle.
My friend, I want you to know that homosexuality is a sin and God hates it. He do not hate homosexuals, He hates the act. It is possible to come out of it by the grace of God. There are many that have broken free and some that l have personally helped to come out of it. There is no place that the love of God cannot reach. You need to stop that behaviour today. It may not be easy but it will be one of the best decisions you have ever made in your life.
ln Romans 8:35, Apostle Paul says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” True love is found only in Christ. Do not try to change who you are in order for you to be loved by man.
Do not try to impress a woman by going all out so she can love and validate you. Bask in the love of God and let the joy of being in Christ be your guiding light.
Sexual sin is a snare that the devil has used on so many people and it results in many challenges. The love of God is available for all and with true repentance and a commitment to live a life of righteousness before God, you will make it.
Nothing beats having a clear conscience, and it is my prayer for you to strive to live a God fearing life in the area of sexual purity and chastity.
Till next week, take care and God bless.
Tinashe Zinyemba is a youth pastor with New Life Covenant Church. Email feedback to [email protected]
