Ok Im going to put my 2 cents in about this whole gay rights thing. I am so sick of reading people saying that Christians are judging and we are bigots and haters. Where in the world did that come from? I as a christian believe that marriage is ONLY between man and woman, that is how God intended it. That is what I believe and NO I do not accept gay marriage, BUT that does not make me a hateful person. It doesnt mean I am judging them. I love everyone because that is what I am supposed to do (and want to do) but just b/c I dont agree with a certain lifestyle doesnt make me a hateful judging person. I dont judge you on how you parent your children, how you live your life w/out Christ or what your beliefs are so dont judge mine!
I have gay friends, do I hate them? No! I love them b/c that is what we are supposed to do, BUT that doesnt mean I have to agree with the lifestyle they choose. Do I hate non Christians? NO! Again I dont have to agree with their lifestyle.
I do know there are so called Christians out there that are mean about others beliefs and judge them but dont say that it's every christian. I strive everyday to live my life as to how God wants me too, including teaching my children about Christ. I teach my children to love everyone b/c that is what we should do. I just dont like that people say that Christians are haters and bigots and judgmental for our beliefs. You really should think about saying we are judging b/c it sure sounds like you are judging us too!
NO ONE is perfect and I certainly dont claim to be but I LOVE God and my religion and beliefs and I really dont like being JUDGED for what I believe in.
God is the ultimate judge and so we dont really have the right to judge, does it happen, of course, but again we are all sinners. But dont put the automatic blame on Christians for not like and agreeing with a homosexual lifestyle. It's our beliefs and we have the right to stand for them and to fight for them just like any other belief!
This is always going to be a hot topic so we all just need to try and get along and agree to disagree!
Heather, well spoken, and I agree - to an extent. I get what you are saying, that you love your neighbor regardless of his or her sexual orientation, but that you cannot agree to his or her lifestyle if it goes against what God has set out as holy. The only place I would caution you is in coming across as defensive. I know you are not judging, but the truth is that our neighbors in most areas of our country who are homosexual are judged quite harshly. Not by you, and not by some followers of Christ, but there are many in this nation who claim Christ because "they were born into a Christian family" or whatever, not because Christ has called and they have answered. I caution you (and myself, I need this message, too) to have empathy. Here is a bit of a parable to explain why I think we need soft words and a big heart: you know I am diagnosed with a mental illness. When I tell people my diagnosis, I've come to expect some level of condemnation from some strangers. There is a stigma in this nation and this world against mental illness, and no amount of kindness from those who don't feel this way can soften the blows *at the time* I am feeling unjustly accused of being broken and wrong. Now, I imagine that those who label themselves as anything but heterosexual must feel the same fear of being seen as "broken" as I do in that moment of vulnerability when I tell someone new about my disorder. I can then imagine how I would feel if I met with someone who came at the issue of this stigma towards the mentally ill with an attitude of "I don't judge, so stop telling me I do", I would feel defensive and not feel loved. Hear me, please, internet, I am NOT comparing homosexuality to mental illness. I am comparing my experience with a stigma that I have faced to a stigma my neighbor might have faced. :) Heather, I hope my experience with my own stigma, coupled with the grace of the Holy Spirit I see alive in you, help you in this matter. Not that you need help, as this post you made shows your kind heart, but I'm adding my two cents anyway. Much love, A.R.R.
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