On December 18, 2023, Pope Francis approved a measure allowing Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, with the condition that it’s not considered equivalent to marriage and while still regarding such relationships as sinful.

The Vatican’s declaration, titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” broadens the understanding of blessings without altering the Church’s teaching on marriage. The document emphasizes that a moral analysis is not a precondition for conferring a blessing, and same-sex couples seeking a blessing should not claim legitimation but seek enrichment, healing, and elevation by the Holy Spirit.

The Vatican warns against promoting rituals for blessings in irregular situations but encourages the Church’s closeness to people seeking God’s help. The guidance is part of a series addressing Catholic doctrine in response to questions from bishops globally.

As true believers of Jesus Christ (Yahshua the Messiah), what should we learn from this latest development from the Papal office? Are we supposed to accept this new teaching? What does the Bible really say about this matter? Let me share with you 3 lessons we should learn:

Lesson no. 1: Man can’t bless something that God curses

The Bible clearly tells us that homosexuality is a perversion of God’s true intent when it comes to sex. God considers homosexual practices an abomination. We read:

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.

Leviticus 18:22

If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

Leviticus 20:13

Abomination in this verse came from the Hebrew word, “tô‛êbah.” It means morally disgusting and abhorrence.

Now, can you just imagine blessing an abominable sin like homosexuality? That’s totally horrific to be done by someone claiming to be a servant of God.

When you seek a blessing, you are asking for God’s approval. Now, if a gay couple asks for a blessing, it means they are asking for approval of what they are doing. Are you saying that Catholic priests can now approve of sinful behavior?

These people should understand that they may be able to get the blessing and approval of men, but not God.

Lesson no. 2: God’s word is unchanging

According to some religious leaders, the move of the Pope is an innovation to accommodate changing social norms. The Pope wants the Catholic church to be more inclusive and more open to modern lifestyle.

However, this is not innovation, this is corruption! If you call this innovation, then it is telling us that the church is doing something new that they have not done before. They are changing Biblical teachings to somehow please some of their followers.

However, the Bible says that God does not change (Malachi 3:16) and that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The word of God is meant to change you. It’s not you who will change the Word of God to suit your preference.

Now, lest you will say, oh, homosexuality was a sin in the Old Testament. It is now different as we live in the New Covenant. Well, that’s not true. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists homosexualilty as one of the unrighteous practices of people and those who practice such sinful behavior will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Lesson no. 3: A little compromise leads to bigger sins

While the Catholic church still holds its traditional view that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, the blessing of a gay couple could lead to bigger problems. I mean, where do you draw the line? If you’re going to compromise a little bit today, what’s the assurance that you will not compromise tomorrow?

This is not the first time that the Pope seems to be more lenient when it comes to LGBTQ issues. On October 31, Pope Francis endorsed a document from Cardinal Fernández’s department, affirming that transgender individuals are eligible for baptism, can serve as godparents, and act as witnesses at church weddings.

In October 2020, Pope Francis sparked controversy when he seemed to support civil unions for same-sex couples, as quoted in an Italian documentary.

You see when you don’t have biblical integrity, you can easily be swayed by the evil influences of this world. You may think that you’re loving people by approving their sins, but in reality, you’re just encouraging them to go down that dark path.

Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us that we should not give Satan a foothold in our lives or giving him a place. We read:

²⁶ “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. 

When we compromise a little bit, we are actually opening the door for Satan. Before you know it, he is already inside your life.

So, don’t underestimate the power of little sins and little compromises. You would be surprised how these small sins can slowly destroy you.

Final words

The Pope is not God and we should not use him as our moral compass. What he says and does should not overturn what God clearly tells us in His word. There is a dire warning for Pope Francis in the Bible and we should also take heed of this warning:

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Isaiah 5:20

As we move closer to the coming of our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah, we are going to witness a moral decay in our society that we have not seen before. Things will get worse before they get better. So, let us stand strong and be courageous.

We are up against Satan’s desperate move to take with him as many people as possible. Yet, for us, true believers and followers of the Messiah, we have God’s promise that He will not leave us nor forsake us. Let us keep the faith and move forward until Yahshua’s return.

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