Something has been weighing on my heart so heavily lately but I haven't spoken or written much about it. Honestly, I was afraid of offending people. I pray each morning for Jesus to break my heart for what breaks His and I can tell you with confidence that He certainly has.
I have decided to take a stand for Jesus. I am choosing to stand firm in my faith and my love for Him. It's time to care more about offending Him than offending people.
My stand is against the practice of homosexuality.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom.
That's a pretty hefty list of sins, don't you think?
If you read through them, you will only find one that society celebrates and tells us we should tolerate.
In all of the sins listed I have only heard of parades, flags, Disney days, etc. for homosexuality.
The definition of tolerance is "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own" {www.dictionary.reference.com}
I have searched and searched the Bible and cannot find one single Scripture that tells me to have a permissive attitude towards a sin. In all honesty, I don't think we are suppose to be ok with sin. Doesn't that take away from Jesus dying for us? Isn't it a slap in His face to sweep sin under the rug and tell Him to chill out about it?
{Click here to read an article from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association about tolerance.}
I have, however, found numerous Scriptures that instruct me to love EVERYBODY. God has given me a heart filled with love for people. If you know me personally, then you know I speak the truth. I am the kind of person who will compliment (not flatter), help, and love all over someone regardless of color, socioeconomic class, etc. In no way whatsoever am I calling for a rise up against people. I am calling for a rise up against sin. Those are two totally separate things.
Honestly, I completely believe those who call themselves Christians should be loving all over people who identify with homosexuality. Aren't we suppose to be living lives that mirror Jesus? We are suppose to be stepping out in society sharing His love with ALL people. When we throw hate, we turn people away from Jesus.
Recently I was asked, "You are a sinner. Don't you want people to be tolerant of you?" My answer was a definite NO. I don't want people to be tolerant of my sins. I want people to speak to me in love. Love is not always fluffy and feel good. Love is about truth and wanting what is best for a person. If I am walking in sin, I want those around me to talk with me about it. If I get mad, then the nasty sin of pride has reared it's ugly head.
I live in Houston, Texas and our mayor is openly gay. In the past week, she has called for various pastors around our city to hand over any sermon notes/sermons that speak out against homosexuality or her. If they do not, she will hold them in contempt of court. {You can read about it here.} Thankfully the pastors are not hiding behind closed doors, they are standing up knowing Jesus is right with them. One in particular said that he has been called to speak the truths of Scripture, not cower to intimidation. Good for him.
So-
I'm standing up for Jesus and calling for prayer for those who are living in homosexuality. As Christians, it is time to get back to openly and honestly serving and loving Jesus. We have to stand firm in our faith and our belief in the Scriptures. If we truly believe the Bible is the Word of God, then we have to take Him at His word. We can't treat the Bible like trail mix and pick and choose what feels good to us.
Stand firm in love for Jesus and all people. Are you willing to love Jesus and people enough to speak truths and not hide behind political correctness?
