Homosexuality from a Christian Standpoint

Spiritual Lessons

Homosexuality from a Christian Standpoint

This is a controversial subject. Even more so than biblical womanhood, or courtship or feminism (subjects we mainly write about on Maid Arise). But I do believe it's relevant to Christians in the 21^st Century. And since this blog is dedicated to 21^st Century maidens I believe this is worth blogging about. Plus this is something that has been on my mind for months, and I'm determined to somehow share my thoughts.

Some might question my capability to even tackle such an issue. I admit I am not an expert, nor am I well rounded on this subject, but I have more credibility than some would grant, and I hope you will at least allow me to share what God has taught me recently.

I was about twelve years old, my brothers only a few years younger. Chris, Tim and I walked apprehensively into the mobile home. There on the couch were five of our cousins, boys and girls near our age that we barely knew. Chris and Tim stood awkwardly behind me as we faced our relatives. I was the eldest and took it upon myself to start the introductions.

“Hi...I'm Toni, and this is Chris and Tim.”

Each in turn introduced themselves. Everything was going fine until one pudgy boy piped up” “I'm Phillip...and I'm gay.”

Growing up in a conservative Christian home the word “gay” was kind-of a dirty word. At least it was taboo. I didn't know what a homosexual was until 11 or 12 years old. My parents explained very little – (a healthy sheltering), but in my mind, homosexuals were the sinful people who in Bible times were called sodomites.

Somehow through the years my knowledge and attitude towards gays changed very little. It wasn't until I learned that some dear people in my life were gay was I actually challenged to re-think my position on homosexuals. I prayed that God would show me how HE saw homosexuals and that He would teach me what He thought. I was blown away.

God never called lesbians and gays abominations. He called the sin of homosexuality an abomination. Leviticus 18 and 20. God condemned the act, not the person. I was sincerely surprised. In most circles (especially Christian circles) I had only thought of homosexuals as being foul abnormal sub-humans that were either scorned or joked about.

I suddenly realized that God had made all of us with a natural desire towards intimacy. But, this legitimate need had been distorted by sin, and homosexuals fulfill their need in an illegitimate way. Just as a glutton fulfills his hunger. Or a prideful person his self-worth. I was shocked by the realization that a gay is not a sinner because he is gay, but because of the lust in his heart. Suddenly the voluminous gap between me and a homosexual wasn't so vast. Gays and lesbians are people with a sin problem. Just like me.

Before continuing, I'd like to mention that just because someone deals with homosexual thoughts doesn't mean they are gay.  I sincerely believe that if someone is tempted with such thoughts, he merely is tempted in that area.  If he gives in to his sinful thoughts, now he has committed a sinful thought, but he has not now become a gay and is no longer a virgin.  If someone practices homosexuality I believe they are a homosexual.  There is a difference.  If I practice adultery I am an adulterer.  If I am tempted with lust in my heart I am not an adulterer.  If I give into my lust, I have committed an adulterous thought but I have not now become an adulterer and can now no longer be considered virgin.  

I decided to do some more praying and studying. I read a book by a Christian author called “Out of a Far Country” and was further convinced of the humanity of the homosexual. Homosexuals need Jesus. But I was stretched even further with this thought – there are people who struggle with homosexual temptations that already have Jesus. Just as there are Christians who struggle with gluttony. Or people that find pride there biggest stumbling block. Or Christians who struggle with temptation after the opposite gender.

Seeing gays through Jesus' eyes was quite different than the Church's perspective. And I was dismayed to start finding Christian condemnation for gays everywhere I turned. Christians shuddered at gay's sin without so much as a blink of an eye at their own self-wickedness. Some sinners are acceptable, but homosexuals are their own sub-class of extra-rotten sinners. Pride is understandable, but homosexuality is unthinkable. I was distraught at the love lack in Christians. They ostracized homosexuals for their love problem – and yet they also had a love problem. I felt disgusted that the World tolerated the homosexual (and their sin) and yet the disdain and hatred for homosexuals seemed to be a Christian movement. And what was worse – we Christians called our hatred “righteousness”.

After I realized who homosexuals are I started to realize their pain. I became aware of how often people tease about homosexuality. If they didn't hate them they mocked them. I was surrounded by ugliness. I learned Homosexuals weren't monsters. But then their sin or their temptation proved to be deeper and more painful than some other sins. Everywhere they go they are condemned for who they feel they are – except by the homosexual community. Christian's phobia of homosexuals has only made God out to look like a mean unforgiving hateful tyrant. It has only painted a bright label of “enemy” on every Christian. We should be ambassadors of compassion, and instead we either hate or mock or try to “fix” the homosexual. They are wrong and warped creatures. It is us who “whet our tongue like a sword, and bend our bows to shoot arrows...even bitter words.” (Psalm 64:3). How many times have we pushed back a soul with our sword into the flames of Hell because of our merciless words? How many Christians live a life of shame and separation and loneliness because of our attitude? We drink up God's compassion for us and never dream to share it with those who are different than ourselves.

Homosexuals are no longer “one of those people” for me. When God opened up my eyes to a glimpse of His compassion for homosexuals I was overwhelmed. I still cry when I talk about it. Homosexuals are people, people with wounds.

In the past 2 years I have led a lonely life. My health has separated me from a lot and has caused me griefs no healthy person can imagine. My physical, emotional, spiritual life has been altered because of my health struggles. I have scars. I have hurts no-one can see. And with this simple little bridge I can get a slight understanding of how hurt a homosexual could be in just the aspect of being different and separate. Add to this the disgust and fear and hate and mockery they receive and you can imagine a bleeding heart.

There is no condoning to be made for their sin. The act of homosexuality is a sin. But God loves their souls as much as He loves you and I. And I am zealous to see you Christian catch a glimpse of God's love for these people. It changed how I perceived God's love for me. God chooses to use you as His channel of love. There are so many hurting hearts who need a channel. Homosexuals are some of those people.

A Divine Appointment

Maybe this will encourage someone.

Sometimes it is a Divine appointment. Sometimes it is just being willing to listen to someone...to ask questions...to think for yourself...to put yourself out there...or just to care enough to be someone's friend.

I don't like Walmart. In fact, I hate that store and typically never shop there. But I found myself there after work the other night running errands with my sister. I went up to the photo counter. Just a few quick prints while I was killing time waiting. It was after hours, and so usually the photo department would have a sign that said something like "see electronics for assistance". Well, sure enough there was that sign. But there was a young woman still working behind the counter. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and she was wearing a long black skirt. I smiled at her and she came over to assist me. We exchanged the usual "Hello, how are yous". Usually only "Christians" of some flavor wear skirts anymore. There was a pause in conversation...so I asked her. "Are you a Christian?" She looked up surprised. "No. I'm agnostic. I don't believe anything." "Oh." I said. She continued...."my husband and I hold a bible study once a week at our house though." "Oh, okay." I was surprised. "So... if you don't believe anything, what is it that you do at your bible study?" I asked. She looked even more surprised. "Good question". She said smiling. "We just ask questions. We try to figure things out by discussing questions with each other." "So... have you found any answers?" She smiled again and said, "Good question!" (She had a thing for questions. :)) She nodded her head and said how that they had all decided that there would be enough room on earth to hold all the people who have ever been born when the Resurrection takes place. (Wow. That was the first time I'd heard that one.) "Oh, really? Well, why would you need space on earth if we are being resurrected?" I asked. She looked dumbfounded for a second and then said again, more emphatically... "That's a good question! I don't know." She was smiling at me. She seemed both happy and surprised that some random person in Walmart would care to talk to her about her religious views...or lack thereof. "Well, I'm a Christian. Can I give you a book to read?" I said...searching my bag for the copy of the book "DONE" I had ready for such occasions. (For those who don't know what that book is... it is basically a short read, giving the gospel of Jesus Christ and explaining how there are only really two religions in the world. Those who believe you DO something to earn God's favor and those who trust what Jesus has already DONE on the cross. It's an awesome tool for evangelism.) "Yes!" She said. I was so excited she would take it and that I wasn't hauled out by a Walmart manager for "distributing christian literature"! Haha"I hope this helps you find some answers", I said and then asked if I could give her my phone number. We exchanged names. I don't normally give my phone number to strangers...but I've taken to doing it quite often lately when the appropriate occasion presents itself. "Do you text?" She asked. "Yes. And I'd love to talk to you more if you have any questions." She was so appreciative...and I really believe sincerely seeking. I paused before leaving. "You know, I really believe that God wanted me to talk to you today...and to give you that book." She just smiled at me. She knew I cared. She knew I was sincerely concerned for her soul. And she thanked me.

Sometimes God just throws someone in our path. Sometimes not. Jesus went to SEEK the lost...He didn't just wait around for some special feeling of "this is my one supernatural opportunity for the week". He went looking for sinners. In fact, He was a FRIEND to sinners. We should be careful not to be more concerned about "spiritual separation" than the souls of men. We are not to be OF the world...but we are to be IN it. But it is so exciting when you get to see a Divine Appointment play out. God gives us a free will. He gave us a choice to obey. Or to disobey. To be silent. Or to speak out. One thing I have learned with all my heart...is that God loves to use people who are willing! Any time I've ever asked Him to use me...He does. Any time I've really honestly been open...He takes me up on it. Why? Because He cares about lost souls. He loves them. Unlike us. He doesn't waste an opportunity to reach someone with the gospel of Jesus Christ...no matter where it is or what it is or who it is....and neither should we.

REMEMBER THEM!

Please be advised...this post contains graphic images.

Hebrews 13:3 Says, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

We are commanded to REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS. I think the Lord had a very good reason why He told us to remember. How often we forget about other people! We get distracted and carried away with life. With work. With schedules. With entertainment. With good things. But there are people, that desperately need to be remembered. And not just to ''send a card and say I'm praying for you'' (although sometimes this may be a very needed and good thing). But that our love would be put into action!

 Here is a short list I've compiled. (Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.) I hope it encourages you to stop and think about someone else. Of why we are here. Of the people HE loves and commands us to love also. Of how important it is that we make time to remember and put our remembrance to action!

 Other Christians, especially those in persecution

 "Brethren, pray for us." (I Thessalonians 5:25)

 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"  (II Thessalonians 3:1)

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (II Corinthians 4:8-11)

http://www.persecution.com/

The Lost

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." (John 4:35)

"To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:79)

The Widows and Fatherless

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me." (Romans 15:1-3)

The Voiceless Victims of Abortion

"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9)

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" (Proverbs 24:11-12)

https://voicesofdissidence.wordpress.com/

http://ahanorthidaho.com/About.html

http://abolishhumanabortion.com/