Somewhere Over the Rainbow: How the Church is Getting Homosexuality Wrong

photo credit

How can I write this post and convey my heart? How can I show through words how I really feel?  My heart breaks on both sides. I have many friends whom I love who are homosexual.  I have many friends whom I love who are completely opposed to the homosexual lifestyle.

I'll just say it. Where homosexuality is concerned, the Church, for the most part, is getting it all wrong.

When did Christianity become "us" vs. "them?"  Isn't Christianity about love? About being "Jesus with skin on" for the people in our lives?

Think about it.

Did Jesus turn people away because their sin was too gross?  No. Jesus went against the culture of the day. He healed those who were deemed "unclean." He ate with tax collectors.  He spent time with those deemed the bottom of society.  Come on - He even rocked Saul's world and Saul became Paul.  Jesus knows what He is doing.  He has the master plan. We aren't to know all the details. That's not our job. That's His job.  Our job? To love. Is it our job to convert or save people? Heavens no. That's not in our power in the least. Our job? To love.

Am I perfect? NO! I'm a mess! Are you perfect? I doubt it.  While there is a time for rebuking others in the spirit of love, it is more important to look after the state of our own hearts.

Am I saying that homosexuals are the bottom of society? CERTAINLY NOT!

The Bible does not tell us that homosexuals are sinners (any more than any of us are sinners). The Bible DOES state that homosexual acts are sinful.  Is that politically incorrect to say? I'm sure it is.  But, the Bible also says that there is no hierarchy to sin - having an ill thought toward someone is on the same plane as murder. Murder. Looking at someone other than a spouse with lust is the same as committing adultery.  It's all about the heart. So, are homosexual acts any more sinful than lying? Than being angry at someone? No.

So, what about biology?

There are studies pointing toward a biological root to homosexuality. I honestly am not up on all the research. I am not here to dispute it.  I will say that the Bible is clear that some people are called to a life of singleness - a life without sexual relations. Honestly, I cannot wrap my human mind around the mind of God. I am not going to try to explain WHY.  I don't know why.  Are there heterosexual people called to a life of singleness?  You betcha.  Paul says that singleness is much better than marriage - marriage is for those not strong enough to handle the single lifestyle.

"Love the sinner, hate the sin."

I actually hate that trite comment.  It is used quite often by self-righteous people who are looking down on others for their imperfections.  My suggestion?  Just LOVE people. We are ALL sinners. Yes, we should hate sin. ALL sin. Not just those that don't suit us.

If Jesus is who He says He is, can we not trust that He will take care of things? If we are showing love as we are commanded and if we are praying and seeking Him, will He not work in the hearts of others? Remember, it is not our job to save. Salvation is not ours to give.

What if someone asks you about their homosexual lifestyle?

Rather than spouting off scripture, try letting God handle it. For a change. I'm not saying there isn't a place for scripture. Pray about it before you bombard someone with the Word. Try this instead - tell your friend to try asking Jesus. Like I said before, if we believe He is Who He says He is, then that is by far the best advice that could be given.

So, the bottom line?

I am a sinner, saved by Grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus.  I am trying my best to show love to my neighbors. Do I mess up?  Of course.

I am a mom.  I have read many sentiments over the past few days regarding Christian moms raising their kids in this day and age. Do I protect my children?  Most certainly. Do I keep them away from people who are homosexuals? Absolutely not. Do I allow conversations of a sexual nature around them? Absolutely not (they are quite young - there will be a day when these subjects will be broached but that day is not today).

I make it a point to have my children interact with people of all types - to learn to love people of all types. Do I expose them to all sorts of TV? No.  I censor their television pretty harshly (I even censor some Thomas the Train episodes).  Will they go to public school? Probably. We're still not 100% decided. Yes, I want strong Christian influences in their lives but I don't want them to only ever associate with Christians. We are to be salt and light.  In the world but not of the world.

Where do I go from here?

I know this post will offend some, possibly many.  My goal was to shake things up.  Make you think. Cause you to examine what you believe and why.

I will go about my life loving my friends.  Sure, some decisions (from ANY of my friends and family) may break my heart. I'll be praying.

Where do YOU stand?