BUT... that doesn't mean I don't view it as ok and not a sin (the act of homosexuality). As I watch the news and see the recent number of young people that have ended their lives because of their sexual identity. It saddens me that Christians aren't reaching out to this hurting community more. All they are hearing is "they were born this way" and they don't know the hope that Jesus Christ offers. The same hope He offers to all of us.
John 1:29 says " "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Singular
There aren't different sins. Sin is sin. We were all born sinners. So in essence we were all "born that way." The enemy just takes us down different paths on that sin journey. Unfortunately all of those paths lead to destruction. The path of lying, stealing, pedophilia, adultery, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, pride, greed, lust, you name it. These aren't things that we generally willingly choose. You don't wake up one day and say, "Hey, I want to be gay. I'd love to have an alternative lifestyle that will make some people hate me." It's a long path of nature and nurture that finally brings you to that point. Lack of a healthy relationship with your same sex parent. An abusive parent of the opposite sex. Any other types of abuse. Maybe God created you to express yourself in a way that is different than societal norms. That doesn't mean you aren't still fully feminine or fully masculine. At an Exodus Conference I attended the speaker brought out the list of "12 signs of Genius". They are...
1) Curiosity 2) Playfulness 3) Imagination 4) Creativity 5) Wonder 6) Wisdom 7) Vitality 8) Sensitivity 9) Flexibility 10) Inventiveness 11) Humor 12) Joy
This was from a research study that looked at all of the "great brilliant minds". From Mozart to Einstein. Look at boys with creativity and sensitivity these days. In our "non-judgmental" society they are instantly labeled to be gay. I mean who ever heard of a male hair dresser that wasn't gay!?! Because obviously we know that all boys spit and play hard hitting football. Right? Wrong!!
God created all of perfect and unique. But over and over again I hear testimonies from these 'types' of boys. They had been labeled as a fag or a sissy or queer. They hear it enough times and they begin to question themselves. Then they begin to embrace this because in that community is the only place they can find acceptance. But then as they get deeper and deeper into this culture and lifestyle all they find is a deeper loneliness and despair. They turn to drugs or alcohol to try and fill this void sometimes. Or they experiment more sexually. Trying to find the satisfaction and love that they are looking for. Unfortunately they aren't going to find what they are looking for. God created us with that void only His Love can fill.
It breaks my heart to see Christians striking out at people in the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) community in anger. We need to be showing these people the love of Christ through our actions and our lives. It's no different than the people bombing abortion clinics or any other act of violence in the name of religion. How will a hurting person see the love of Christ in us if we attack them with 'guns-a-blazin'? Is that the example Christ showed us through His life here on earth? John 8:1-11 is the perfect example of this. A bunch of religious leaders hauled a woman caught in adultery to Him. (we'll ignore the fact they didn't bring the guy too as the law required). Jesus stood there listening to their anger. He didn't join in. Rather He had them assess themselves. "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". So they all began to leave until it was only Jesus and the woman standing there. He asks her "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared." But now comes the important point that some may want to ignore. Jesus tells her "Go now and leave your life of sin." Some translations say "Go and sin no more." So He isn't sitting there telling her everything is ok and she can continue to keep sleeping around town. Yes, we need to deny ourselves, daily take up our cross and follow Him as Luke 9:23 says.
I think Sy Rogers puts it very well in this short clip. (read his full testimony here)
So go out and be friends with your homosexual neighbors. Love them as Christ would. But also know they are no different than anyone else living a life of sin. Look at them with love and compassion and I pray that your soul may ache as you watch them traveling down the path of destruction. Just be their friend. Someone who sticks with them through thick and thin. When God opens the door to share the Truth of His Love, you will know it. Be sensitive to His guiding and be sensitive to your gay friend. Don't beat them over the head with the Bible. I'm sure they have had that happen to them enough already. This reminds me of an article I read a number of years ago. It was in Christianity Today. I challenge you to read that. Then I challenge you to be a Julie!!
Don't forget how hopeless you felt before you surrendered your life to Christ!! People with SSA are no different than anyone else. In fact they are us. We all were created with real needs. But only our Heavenly Father who created those needs can fill them. So as I seek holiness, God is restoring wholeness to my life!! He has filled the void same sex attractions never could.
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