"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12

I was with a cell gathering and s377A came up in the discussion. The pearl of wisdom I received was from a mother of a primary school girl. She had stopped her child from watching a particular cartoon because it had homosexual overtones. She went on to engage her eight-year-old on how God made man and woman and his intention for family life. To me that was as powerful a defense on the issue of sexuality and the familial as a section of a law could provide.

The debate on the repeal of s377A gets into a conundrum at times because of statements on values. Broadly, a value has two definitions. Firstly, it is something that is held up to be of importance and worth. Secondly, it is a principle and standard of behavior. So, activists would argue why their positions reflect importance to those they represent. Both sides can call on "love" to justify their ideals. But it is the second definition on values that help us distinguish the key to the matter. Are we able to accept the behavior associated to a value? As Christians, the question is would we teach our children any other value apart from what God says about family, procreation and sexuality?

Titus 2:11-12 states that we need to say "no" to any behavior that is ungodly and unbridled and instead live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present time. The imparting of values requires more patience and consistency than solving a Math problem. It is best done in a family and community setting. Let us not diminish what the young and old receive each week when we gather around His Word in worship. Church has always been God's idea, because it is the best way to grow, not just in godly knowledge but also in godly values. Therefore, whilst it is clear by now that s377A will be repealed, it does not leave us weakened, instead it helps to accentuate what has always been our strength and to strengthen it even further. Biblical values transmitted faithfully through family, church and then to society.

Blessings,

Ps Loke Chi Shyan