Is discrimination okay?

We live in a society today that is supposedly open and non-judgemental. Yet I see bigotry and discrimination everywhere I turn. Racism still thrives, but it's more of a quiet discrimination now because people know it's wrong. Discrimination based on sexual orientation, on the other hand, runs amuck; unbridled and unleashed. People try to use the Bible to justify their hatred, they love to use Old Testament scriptures to back up their bigotry, and then try to use New Testament freedoms to get away with "minor" problems in their own lives.

Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me."

My question is, who are "the least of these" to you? Automatically your mind goes to the poor and the homeless. Yes, those are definitely people in need, but are they really the "least" in your mind? I would argue that you value those homeless over the gay man to you know at work. Isn't it true that he repulses you far worse than the homeless person's urine-soaked stench? And if that is true, then how are you treating that homosexual co-worker, neighbour, etc.? Are you treating them the way you would treat your Saviour?

I remain convinced that homosexuality is a sin, but I ask you: When was the last time you met someone without sin? I have only met one such person. He was poor, ugly, he smelt like camel fesces, he looked like he had been beaten to a bloody pulp and yet he gave everything he had for me.

I have used this example numerous times and will probably continue to use it until the day I die, but it works. I remain convinced that being addicted to anything is a sin. I believe that we are not supposed to let any chemical or emotion control any part of our lives. However, there are many believers that are addicted to nicotine. Are they being cast out of the church? There are many believers that are addicted to alcohol or gambling; are they being shown the door? How many believers are addicted to pornography of sex, do we even talk about this? I like to take this one step further. How many believers you know are addicted to caffiene? How many churches have erected altars right in their foyers to the java god?

Is it okay to let a chemical or emotion control you? Is it a sin? Is any one sin worse than any other? You may say, "yes", but I say "no" and I believe the Bible backs me on this. Does God hate sinners? The Jesus I know hangs out with pimps and whores. He hangs out with murderers and thieves. The Jesus that died to pay for my sins, spends his days talking and laughing with drunkards and homosexuals. That's the Jesus I know, which Jesus do you know?