It has been a very long and difficult journey for the gay community as they protest and challenge the nation to step up and recognize them as an equal part of society. This journey has also been difficult for many Christians who feel as though they have a role to play in this and as a Christian I felt I AM called to do something and that is this: First I am going to address the different approaches of anti-gay marriage Christians and then I will explain why I think they need to be reevaluated
1) Christians who protest that God hates gays and that they are called to judge
I am afraid I do not have many kind words for this type of Christian but what I can say is that you have BECOME the sons of vipers and are the very image of the Pharisees. Jesus walked with broken men and showed them kindness but he would not tolerate the churches ill behavior. We are called to keep other Christians accountable by first speaking with them in private then later seeking the help of an official in the church. One should never publicly humiliate another human being in order to serve grand punishment. God does not hate anyone and you have used many verses out of context. I do suggest that you look at yourself and be thankful that nobody has held picket signs and announced to the world your every sin. Sin is all the same in the eyes of God and for every lie you tell you might as well be gay. You my friend are living in a glass house.
2) The Christians that would be okay if it was called something other than marriage.
You are the confused sort that has not yet discovered how to be kind and honest at the same time. This very thought is condoning something that God has not approved. There is no loophole in sin. Human words alone do not embody Gods desires but merely describe his expectations in the simplest way. Even the word love is poorly used in the bible because America only has one definition of love while there are multiple definitions in the bibles original language. DO NOT be so caught up on scripture word for word because it is a watered down version of what is really being said. God has said that church and state should not be one “let what is Cesar’s be Cesar’s and what is God’s be God’s”. Being legally joined together does not mean that they will be having a holy wedding. The legal aspect of a wedding is just paper but the spiritual aspect is something only the two can create between themselves and God. Heterosexual couples have unholy weddings everyday and use marriage as a status of both legal joining and celebration of being in love with another. Only the couple can bring God into their lives and into their union.
3) Christians that are not saying anything but voting no
I believe that this is the best thing you could do or at least the second best action. You are not condemning the community publicly and are also holding true to your beliefs. The reason I say this is second best is because this group is mixed. This is the best possible thing to do if you are also standing up for the gay community. Confused? Well let me explain….Even if you do not agree with the gay community it is your role as a Christian to help any human that is a creation of God ( meaning everybody). This means that you must defend them when they are being attacked verbally and physically (even if the attacker is apart of the church). No human deserves to be treated in such an embarrassing and hurtful way and it is your job as a Christian to let them know that both you and God love them. Reach out and show compassion because we each fall into different sins. Maybe your heart struggles from avoiding porn or you tell a lie more than you should (which, you should never lie so any lie is one too many). Rethink your own sins and understand you are no better. If someone egged your house and spray painted your every sin on the driveway or even took it to the news, you would be mortified and ashamed. The very cruelty of it would probably make you question God, wouldn’t it? If you wish to be this Christian then make sure you continue to follow Jesus while being anonymous in vote.
4) You are a Christian that is ALL for Gay Rights and Gay Marriage
Make sure you understand that you are walking a thin line of either supporting sin or being a good Christian. If you are voting yes and are publicly supporting the gay community then check your reasons. Is it because you believe God gave them the right to choose their sin and you are defending them against all naysayers or are you saying the sin should be accepted? Are you voting yes because they have the right to a legal joining or because you think this is not a sin at all? Make sure that when voting yes you are doing it for the right reasons and not standing up for the sin. You and God know whats in your heart and only you can determine if you are in his blessing.
The Gay community is one that needs love and needs friends. Be the best person and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. These are his children you are tormenting and in the end you and him will meet and you will face whatever sins you have yet to be forgiven for. The is an eggshell world and you must do what is good and not what is accepted by the masses. God wants us to go out into the world and share his wisdom and love. How do you expect the gay community to ever want to join the church when you are holding up picket signs? How can you bring love to someone you have only shown hate? If one day your sins become public and no longer thrive in the secrecy of God’s knowledge then you may feel they cruelty you are inflicting onto others. You are not a bad person and I sympathize with you during this time of change. This is not the world created for us it is the world we created. Tread carefully and with meaning and understand that God cherishes the lost sheep’s return more than the loyalty of the herd. Also keep in mind that Jesus was quick to whip the church and gentle with the masses. I pray that you may find the path God wishes you to walk during this journey.
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