Daily Devotional: I Am A Sodomite

Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day.  If you have a moment, take some time to read Genesis 19:1-28 and Ezekiel 16:49-50 in your preferred Bible translation. Then, return to this page.

If you're short on time, read the following passage and note what stands out to you:

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.”

I consider myself a reformed Sodomite.

Not because I’ve stopped being intimate with my partner (we remain in a committed, monogamous relationship), but because of the Biblical understanding of the term “Sodomite.”

For over a century, the term "sodomite" has been misused as a slur against gay men, although the Bible doesn't support this interpretation.

However, today’s focus isn’t on that issue. Instead, let’s ask, “What does it really mean to be a sodomite?” and how does it affect us?

The Bible clearly describes Sodom’s sin as, arrogance, excess, and neglect. At one point in my life, these traits could have easily described me. Even now, if I’m not vigilant, I can fall into arrogance, excess, or neglect.

The story of Sodom illustrates the consequences of failing to meet God's expectations. It serves as a lesson on the significance of showing hospitality to strangers. The men of the town, who intended to assault the visitors, were not motivated by homosexuality. In fact, the prophet Ezekiel, guided by divine inspiration (Ezekiel 16:49-50), clarifies that the issue here isn't about sexual sin but rather about the failure to offer hospitality.

For LGBTQ+ Christians, it's easy to dismiss the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as irrelevant to us. But we might be missing an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. The story isn't a condemnation of LGBTQ+ identities, but it does highlight traits like arrogance and neglect that anyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, can fall into.

I’m a proud homosexual, but I’m a repentant Sodomite.

Reflection Questions:
In which areas of my life am I arrogant, selfish, or neglectful?
How about in my community?
How does it feel to shift the focus from debating homosexuality to addressing issues of injustice?
What physical sensations arise when I consider that I might need to reflect on this passage? What can I learn from that?

Practical Exercises:
Commit to regularly donating to your local food bank.
Provide direct support to people in need in your community.
Contact your elected officials or local councillors to advocate for more support for the homeless,elderly, those living in poverty, or individuals with disabilities.

That concludes our devotional for today. I pray that this message has blessed and uplifted your spirit. If you found it meaningful, please consider liking this video and subscribing for more spiritually enriching content. Thank you for sharing this time with us. May you continue to celebrate your unique gifts and walk in faith and positivity until we meet again.

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed). Scripture: Genesis 19

Image Title: "Aurora of Benevolence" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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