In the 1900s there were highly controversial issues such as slavery and women’s rights; today, we have the topic of homosexuality. This lifestyle is something that has been debated, rejected, and persecuted in many ways throughout America, as well as the entire world. Many biblical references in regards to this subject raise tons of questions and concerns. What the bible says has played a substantial role in influencing people’s views of homosexuality.
To be a Christian, to truly be a Christian, means to be a follower of Christ; someone that seeks to emulate the very nature and qualities possessed by the Son of God Himself. This is not an easy pursuit by any means; however, in the process of interpreting the Bible in attempts to better understand God, unfortunately, human beings have interfered and had their affect in negative ways. Jesus Christ was a living example of love; love that is not prescribed only to certain people, with certain mindsets, and with certain lifestyles. One of the most world renown verses in the bible, John 3:16, says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” I immediately want to wipe away any slanderous claims that “God hates homosexuals” or “homosexuals are an abomination.” Not once in the bible does it say that God would hate such people. If any thing, in my opinion, He is pained and sorrowful for those who are claiming to know Him and yet use His name in completely wrong ways.
In terms of what the bible actually says in regards to homosexuality, there are many references in which the subject is discussed. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” These things are described as offenses to God. Some people believe that by “homosexual offenders” Paul is referring to something more along the lines of prostitution or offense.
For a long time I wasn’t sure how I even felt about the subject. I was aware of it. I wasn’t exposed to it very often. I had the mindset that the bible said that it’s wrong. That’s all I knew.
Christianity is an interesting lifestyle. It can quickly become about following the religion as apposed to following Jesus Christ. Too many Christians have sacrificed one of the ultimate commandments proclaimed by God in the bible, to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus Christ would have never protested against homosexuals or screamed out that God hates them. He would have been actively teaching and showing His unconditional love. God knows that we are all in process. He knows that we have trials to face, that we all will fall in weakness inevitably; that’s the absolute beauty of the cross. Jesus Christ took our burdens upon His shoulders, upon His death. What a perfect picture of absolute sacrifice and true love. Who are we then to scream at the very humans that He died for? How can we judge whom God loves and whom He doesn’t?
Despite the many, many things that I myself am in process of understanding about the bible, I can place all of my confidence, hope, strength, and trust in God’s love. We can all place our confidence in God’s love.
“We can all place our confidence in God’s love.” That is exactly true. These are the motifs by which I live out my life each and every day, to put my trust in GOD and live with peace and love. If I see something wrong then to not play a blind victim to it or act out of the context in which GOD has assigned us to live. Absolutely no one is without sin and we are not the ones to decide whose sin is greater; whether being gay or eating pork. In life not everyone will have the same views; in fact not everyone will have the same religion as us if they are religious to begin with. As a nation we stand divided by the simple fact that one household does not behave in the exact same manner as any other household in the world and that when we leave the walls of our home we can find comfort, respect and a mutual understanding between perspectives that are not shared. GOD said that we must love HIM with all our heart and that good or bad everyone is apart of GOD. I live to follow GOD and do whatever HIS will for me is, as a Christian others may say my job is to persecute, to inadvertently distort to truth of Bible when something seems religiously wrong. Others may say to exemplify the love and only take into consideration some biblical aspects. I simply take the WORD for its truth and except it whether it says yes to homosexuality or no to homosexuality, whatever the Bible says that is where I stand no further explanations necessary.
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