I do NOT believe someone chooses to be attracted to people of the same sex any more than I choose to be attracted to men. I believe there are so many things that factor into this that we can't possibly know why it happens. Our world is SO far from what God created it to be that each and every one of us is a long, long way off from being the person He created us to be. That's why GRACE is necessary. I believe the "choice" comes into play when someone decides they will "act" on the attraction.
This issue of homosexuality and the heartlessness the church has had on those who deal with it has always bothered me. Don't get me wrong. I stand on God's Word here...homosexuality is NOT acceptable behavior in His sight. I will stand on that as truth regardless of my own personal feelings on the matter because HE determines right from wrong; I am NOT my own moral compass. But at the same time, I have unanswered torment (and simply choose to trust God's Sovereignty) about so many things that pertain to homosexual relationships (for people) who come to Christ and decide to be obedient to His plan for their lives. It saddens me to think of the broken families and relationships that result from such a choice...because it would be so self-righteous for Christians to think a homosexual relationship is only about sex. Give me a break! Many of them MAY be...but so are many heterosexual relationships. I'm NOT sad about those ones...but what about those people who are raising children and giving them a good home. What about those who truly love their partner and have invested time and effort into their relationship...much like heterosexuals. What about their pain. What about the agony they must feel in those moments?
Please don't tell me they are not real families. THAT is a horrible thing to say. I can't STAND it when a Christian has the audacity to say something like that about another family. Of course, they are families...and they have the capacity to love JUST as much as you do...and sometimes more than many Believers (at least the high and mighty ones) I can honestly say, I'd rather see a baby go to a homosexual couple who will love and invest in that child than to see it aborted. If you think I'm evil for that...well, talk to God about it because I don't want to hear such foolishness. Determining a person's worth based on who they have sex with is RIDICULOUS to say the least...I mean...is that what YOUR worth is determined by??? Honestly, if God's grace is sufficient for my evil thoughts, desires and selfishness then it is certainly enough for the homosexual.
I have always struggled with this topic. Because I know homosexuals...and I like and care about them very much...and I would stand beside them against you (Believers) if you started getting on your soapbox around them. I believe the way to impact this community of people with the love of Christ is to...well, SHOW them the love of Christ. Duh!
Here's another shocker: I can completely understand why homosexuals fight so hard to have marriage rights. Now, I KNOW some in that community have an agenda that will wipe marriage out for good...and BOO on those people. I pray about that and believe God is greater than they are...and nothing will happen without FIRST going through HIS hand. BUT...believing their behavior is acceptable, many are simply asking to be treated as "equal" to you. I get that...it's kinda strange because how can you have "Holy Matrimony" when you are doing something God objects to...? Anyway...But I get it...and I feel compassion for them. And I understand why they want to be accepted and not be defined by who they sleep with. I don't believe it's appropriate to change what God has created. Therefore, I disagree with the homosexual communities fight for "marriage" rights. But my disagreeing with it is not because I'm sickened by them or think they don't deserve to live happily or whatever they think I intend...it's simply because, God, as the Creator of the Universe AND human beings AND sex AND marriage, said it was to be defined in a particular way only. Since HE created it...He also gets to define it and I believe it's incredibly dangerous for man to step up, shake their fist at the Creator and say, "YOU GOT THIS ONE WRONG!" Redefining is a huge mistake and will have huge ramifications. This is why I stand on the Biblical definition of marriage. There's no hate involved or a lack of caring about the homosexual...I simply choose to honor God and HIS plan above all things...including my own sensibilities.
Honestly, my heart breaks for the homosexual community. Do I feel pity?...no. But I do feel compassion. I know what it is like to have a temptation and desire that I did NOT choose to have. I know the guilt and shame of giving into such desires. But when I do so...there aren't a whole bunch of people screaming in opposition at me, condemning me and trying to take things away from me I feel I deserve. I can't imagine the pain I would endure if this were what greeted me.
I will never turn someone away as a friend because they are homosexual. I will never teach my children to oppose them or say rude things to them. I will continue to teach my children what I've always taught them...love and acceptance. NOT tolerance...because tolerance is a cheapened version of GRACE. I teach my children TRUE grace that says, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." I will teach them their need for grace so they can love others who don't yet realize their own need for grace. I choose to teach my children how to stand on the truth in God's word while loving the people who oppose God.
I believe the problem for many Believers is they have forgotten who the REAL enemy is. People aren't the enemy. SATAN is the enemy and he is devouring people left and right. I LOVE the song "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns. It describes the Church quite well.
Here's what I have to say to those who are homosexual and/or simply stand beside them in the belief that their lifestyle is perfectly fine. Just because someone disagrees with your choices and stands on their own belief that the Bible is the final authority does NOT mean we hate you. I'm equally sick and tired of hearing you scream at the top of your lungs about that. I don't hate you any more than I hate the person who lives with someone outside of marriage (and I don't hate them either!!!). It's ridiculous to assume EVERYONE who opposes your behavior HATES you and is against your happiness. I realize there are MANY homophobic people in the world...I get it, I get it...but NOT everyone is. So, really, get off YOUR high horse and stop telling me I have to agree with you in order for you to be happy. That's nonsense. And it is very wrong for you to try and force me to go against my relationship with God in order for YOU to live the life you want to live. It is absolutely true...you are free to make your choices and live your life and I will not infringe upon that as long as it does not require me to go against what I believe to be God's truth. I mean, really, what kind of Follower would I be if I simply ignored HIS Word to make someone feel better? A lousy one.
Honestly, I'm tired of both sides of this issue. BOTH sides have done and said AWFUL things to and about one another. Christians have forgotten their own need for grace and homosexuals and their supporters have required things we (as true believers) simply cannot stand behind AND honor God. We just can't. NOTE: I am NOT saying God doesn't save or love the homosexual. Christ died for ALL of us. IF a person surrenders to Christ His grace is sufficient regardless of the sin. I even believe God STILL loves a homosexual who has turned to Him and yet still struggles with this issue. I know this because He still loves me and has compassion on me even though I struggle with the same temptations over and over.
If you are wanting to argue with me and call me names because I believe homosexual behavior is wrong...don't bother. No amount of words from you will erase the truth of God's word in my heart. And THAT is not condemnation...it's just TRUTH. I will NOT side with anyone but Him...regardless of what that means for the behaviors of man. At the same time...I do not believe it makes a person "less than" somehow...as others seem to think. I don't believe the sin of homosexuality is uglier than my own sin and need for grace. I don't think I'm "better" than anyone else.
I think people matter and relationships are the most important things to invest in while we are alive on this earth. Truth without love comes across as condemnation...truth in love transforms the world! I choose the latter.
