It's a valid concern. When my brother came out his entire church "community" (I obviously use that word loosely) abandoned and condemned him.
I'm fortunate enough to be a member of a church whose youth minister has a passion for GLBT ministry--true ministry, not "we'll change you in 3 easy steps". I've sat in many seminars and workshops dealing with the subject trying to understand my dear friends who are lesbians and my brother (who has found a church that embraces him and his partner).
And quite frankly, I still don't know how I feel about the subject. But I know how I feel about the people involved. I'm blessed to know them intimately and be in authentic relationship with them...so yes. Love is present. And judgment is left to the One who should handle that anyway.
Thank you for posting this. I was challenged in this same area a couple of years ago and it is still a struggle for me. I am learning each day how to love and love God's way.
One of my friends is gay and when I became friends with her it opened my eyes in so many ways. I was able to see where she comes from and reach out to her. Not to judge her, but show her love and not judgment. I don't condone her lifestyle, but I am showing her a love as a friend that lifts up and not condemns and not based on conditions.
Interesting and, like you, still processing various things in the video. But just as if I saw a good friend doing wrong, against her faith, and I would confront her about it (truth in love) - are we withholding that same confrontation with what I believe Scripture says is wrong in the name of being "non-judgmental"? Being loving? Truth in love? I am not denying the hate that can come from Christians about it - and they will have to face God about their actions one day - but where does it go from here? All that said, I have gay friends and love them, but these are the thoughts that plague me about it. It seems to be a big no-no to talk about, but I want to follow my Christ and my convictions whole-heartedly...
Thank you for posting this. I think it is fantastic to see more of this type of movement and reflection within the Christian community.
I know not every branch of Christianity believes this, but I believe a sin is a sin is a sin. I see no difference between someone being gay and people, say, telling lies. Everyone EVERYONE sins, every day, in one way or another-and there is absolutely no reason not to love everyone, accept everyone, and leave the judgment to Him-"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
Wow!That is just awesome! I have gained understanding in so many of the people who I have met through my abuse recovery who were so wounded that I was really left to see and think it is no wonder ....I wound not feel connected to the other gender either if I had known the journey they had. These were not the folks who needed to be hated, judged or ridiculed these were wounded people who only had affiliation from those who were "of the world " as they say.
A sense of belonging is inate to the human expierence.
If we reject one another then it begs the question where do we belong?
Stand for what you believe in by example. As A sinner redeemed only by unmerited grace and favor I have only that leg to brace me.
I would love to post this on the recovery blog if you do not mind.
This is beautiful! Thank you for posting it. I wrote a post a few weeks back touching on this exact subject. i will include a link for anyone who wants to read it.
I think it is good for us to open lines of communication between Christians. We have a lot to learn and a lot to think about.
Oh what do we do with the Love of God that never fails.... I have a neice that is gay and lives with her significant other .. She (they) are no long welcome in my home for only one reason: my niece once was a believer and worshiped with us but now that she has chosen this life style she is "in your face" with it and the hugging and kissing and snuggling comes along with it. I have told her that it is behavior that I cannot allow in my home. I am ridiculed for this decision but I feel that I have to hold a standard of conduct in my home and she is very rebellious to that..... It is so hard because now my sister (her mother) and the other girls (her sisters) will not come into my home for Christmas or any other holidays... It has torn my family apart and even a brother that is a Christian says that I am wrong.. It is so hard, but I cannot have my faith rubbed in my face and in the face of others that are guests in my home..... Wonder what you think?
Hmmmm, well, Angela, I do love gay people. I do not condem them, turn my nose up at them, I do not chase them with my Bible, I do not disassociate myself from them, nor do I avoid anything that they may be associated with.
However, this does not mean that I think it's okay for persons of the same gender to be together as those of opposite gender are. What it means is that I remember that at one time I was doing things that God wasn't pleased with, (still am-but working on it), but if the Christian who "gave me a chance" had not done so, I'd still be hell-bound!
I do not feel that I am being contradicting by loving a gay person or persons, I am being Christ-like by not being judgemental. This does not mean that homosexuality is okay, I believe God when He says that it is wrong!
The woman who was caught in the act of adultery is a perfect example of professing Godly people condemning someones' lifestyle. Jesus told those that were without sin to throw the first stone; no one could do such a thing. Jesus then simply told her to go and don't sin anymore! John 8:3-11 Now who do you think had more of an impact on this woman; the judgemental people of God or merciful Jesus?
Wow! What a challenge to our thinking. I have a woman who has come into my life who is involved in this lifestyle. I know I need to love her, but I still find the issue coming so much to the forefront on my mind!
I have family members that are gay. They know that I love them... but hate the sin. Just as Christ loves the people... but not the sin. So I treat them with love, and they know I love them... but they also know I do not condon the sinful behavior. Just like any sinful behavior... but I still love the person. Thank you for sharing this.... God bless you
12 comments:
It's a valid concern. When my brother came out his entire church "community" (I obviously use that word loosely) abandoned and condemned him.
I'm fortunate enough to be a member of a church whose youth minister has a passion for GLBT ministry--true ministry, not "we'll change you in 3 easy steps". I've sat in many seminars and workshops dealing with the subject trying to understand my dear friends who are lesbians and my brother (who has found a church that embraces him and his partner).
And quite frankly, I still don't know how I feel about the subject. But I know how I feel about the people involved. I'm blessed to know them intimately and be in authentic relationship with them...so yes. Love is present. And judgment is left to the One who should handle that anyway.
Thank you for posting this. I was challenged in this same area a couple of years ago and it is still a struggle for me. I am learning each day how to love and love God's way.
One of my friends is gay and when I became friends with her it opened my eyes in so many ways. I was able to see where she comes from and reach out to her. Not to judge her, but show her love and not judgment. I don't condone her lifestyle, but I am showing her a love as a friend that lifts up and not condemns and not based on conditions.
Interesting and, like you, still processing various things in the video. But just as if I saw a good friend doing wrong, against her faith, and I would confront her about it (truth in love) - are we withholding that same confrontation with what I believe Scripture says is wrong in the name of being "non-judgmental"? Being loving? Truth in love? I am not denying the hate that can come from Christians about it - and they will have to face God about their actions one day - but where does it go from here? All that said, I have gay friends and love them, but these are the thoughts that plague me about it. It seems to be a big no-no to talk about, but I want to follow my Christ and my convictions whole-heartedly...
Thank you for posting this. I think it is fantastic to see more of this type of movement and reflection within the Christian community.
I know not every branch of Christianity believes this, but I believe a sin is a sin is a sin. I see no difference between someone being gay and people, say, telling lies. Everyone EVERYONE sins, every day, in one way or another-and there is absolutely no reason not to love everyone, accept everyone, and leave the judgment to Him-"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
Wow!That is just awesome!
I have gained understanding in so many of the people who I have met through my abuse recovery who were so wounded that I was really left to see and think it is no wonder ....I wound not feel connected to the other gender either if I had known the journey they had. These were not the folks who needed to be hated, judged or ridiculed these were wounded people who only had affiliation from those who were "of the world " as they say.
A sense of belonging is inate to the human expierence.
If we reject one another then it begs the question where do we belong?
Stand for what you believe in by example. As A sinner redeemed only by unmerited grace and favor I have only that leg to brace me.
I would love to post this on the recovery blog if you do not mind.
This is beautiful! Thank you for posting it. I wrote a post a few weeks back touching on this exact subject. i will include a link for anyone who wants to read it.
I think it is good for us to open lines of communication between Christians. We have a lot to learn and a lot to think about.
http://chaosisus.blogspot.com/2009/06/thousand-words-thursday-6.html
Oh what do we do with the Love of God that never fails.... I have a neice that is gay and lives with her significant other .. She (they) are no long welcome in my home for only one reason: my niece once was a believer and worshiped with us but now that she has chosen this life style she is "in your face" with it and the hugging and kissing and snuggling comes along with it. I have told her that it is behavior that I cannot allow in my home. I am ridiculed for this decision but I feel that I have to hold a standard of conduct in my home and she is very rebellious to that..... It is so hard because now my sister (her mother) and the other girls (her sisters) will not come into my home for Christmas or any other holidays... It has torn my family apart and even a brother that is a Christian says that I am wrong.. It is so hard, but I cannot have my faith rubbed in my face and in the face of others that are guests in my home..... Wonder what you think?
Hmmmm, well, Angela, I do love gay people. I do not condem them, turn my nose up at them, I do not chase them with my Bible, I do not disassociate myself from them, nor do I avoid anything that they may be associated with.
However, this does not mean that I think it's okay for persons of the same gender to be together as those of opposite gender are. What it means is that I remember that at one time I was doing things that God wasn't pleased with, (still am-but working on it), but if the Christian who "gave me a chance" had not done so, I'd still be hell-bound!
I do not feel that I am being contradicting by loving a gay person or persons, I am being Christ-like by not being judgemental. This does not mean that homosexuality is okay, I believe God when He says that it is wrong!
The woman who was caught in the act of adultery is a perfect example of professing Godly people condemning someones' lifestyle. Jesus told those that were without sin to throw the first stone; no one could do such a thing. Jesus then simply told her to go and don't sin anymore! John 8:3-11 Now who do you think had more of an impact on this woman; the judgemental people of God or merciful Jesus?
smooches,
Larie
Wow! What a challenge to our thinking. I have a woman who has come into my life who is involved in this lifestyle. I know I need to love her, but I still find the issue coming so much to the forefront on my mind!
hmmmm...thinking.
Lots to think about!!
Many blessings to you my dear!
Amanda
I have family members that are gay. They know that I love them... but hate the sin. Just as Christ loves the people... but not the sin. So I treat them with love, and they know I love them... but they also know I do not condon the sinful behavior. Just like any sinful behavior... but I still love the person. Thank you for sharing this.... God bless you
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