I sat yesterday and watched my Facebook news feed blast joy, and hate- I was not surprised by any one persons post. It's very controversial. I tend not to comment or participate in controversial subjects- but, I do have words to say about this. And please- if you are not going to respond in LOVE- then don't comment. If you are already cringing with distaste- move on and don't read the rest of this. I'm not here to argue. But- as I watched all of you spew your opinions yesterday- I have one, too- and I'd like to voice it- lovingly.
There are a few things that bug me from both ends of the spectrum.
1) Gays who say "When you choose to be straight, I'll choose not to be gay."
~ The fact is, many persons who struggle with sexuality, often DO "choose" one orientation over the other. Many who feel they are attracted to both sexes, often get married-to the opposite sex, have kids and live a very happy and fulfilling life. And never engage in actions that are "gay". I know people like this. They made a choice to live straight, they are happy and well adjusted- and have no regrets.
2) The #1 argument that "Christians" have- is: "Homosexuals are purposely living in sin, and therefore we should refuse to marry them."
~ I ask you- how many straight couples did you marry in the past 20 years who were:
Alcoholics
Addicted to pornography
Gamblers
Smokers
Began their relationship as an affair
Living together before they were married
Sexually active before marriage
Addicted to drugs
Child molesters, rapists, murderers, liars, thieves and/or gluttonous
Not members of a church
Wouldn't all of those things be considered "sin"- and, many of them easily hidden from the world and purposely lived in day in and day out?
Wouldn't denying to marry them- ALL OF THE ABOVE reasons- pretty much close the doors to your church and give the message- "no sinners allowed". Aren't we as Christians supposed to be welcoming EVERYONE into our Churches so that we can share the Good News of Christ?
"All have sinned."
Imagine if no one loved you, accepted you, and shared the Word with you. Can you imagine where you would be today? What if the Pastor of a church told you that you cannot attend church or get married, because- you are a smoker? Stupid, right?
The ultimate point: We all live in sin. We have all purposely lived in sin.
Whether or not you believe homosexuality is a sin- you cannot refuse to marry people because you believe they are purposely living in sin. Because- no one would be getting married. NO ONE.
God knows our innermost secrets. Lust, Greed, Gluttony....... whatever it is you hide- and struggle with- that is between you and God to work out. And if you believe homosexuality is a sin- then you cannot deny marriage only to them. You must deny marriage to ALL sinners. THAT is equality.
I'm not saying homosexuality is a sin. I'm not saying its not. I'm saying you are not the judge of that, and no one sin is greater than another- aside from Blasphemy.
That little white lie/half truth you told last week- yeah- that was a sin no greater than murder. Just let that sink in. Would you really deny marriage to someone who told a "little white lie"?
And stop saying that people are nit picking the Bible apart. How many times have you read a verse, and at some point in your life- you read it again, after hundreds of times, and it suddenly has a new meaning for you? That is what makes it the Living Word. Because God- has the ability to change YOU- and therefore your interpretations of things are different.
Know this: God works in ALL people.
What I am saying is that as Christians- we are to love, and accept the people in this world. We are to show love, respect and kindness. Where would you find Jesus back in the day? Amongst the sinners, sharing LOVE.
God works on the heart- that is HIS job. It is our job, to spread His Word and Love- just as HE would do if He was among us. If - IF- being gay is a sin- let GOD do the convicting. We are here only, ONLY, to show His love.
"And the greatest commandment is LOVE."
What I've seen many "Christians" portraying lately is not love- it's exactly opposite. And that is exactly why Christians have a bad rep.
Pray for all people equally. Love all people equally. Let God do what he's supposed to. That is true equality.
A few afterthoughts/facts:
ReplyDelete~~This may surprise many, MANY of you- but- I have struggled with sexuality. I made a choice.
~~My first serious boyfriend, used me to determine whether or not he was gay. He made a choice.
~~I have many, MANY, homosexual friends whom I love and adore. The thought of denying them happiness makes me sick. It's like saying my brother couldn't marry his girlfriend because she was fat, or too skinny- or because she was a member of a different church, or black or white or purple.