Hot Topics: Gay Rights/Marriage
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Matthew 7:1-3 (ESV)
There is one Lawgiver, Who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
James 4:12 (NKJV)
Please know, I grew up with two gay cousins. I’ve known and worked with countless gay people… and don’t just love them with the love of Christ.
I like and respect them wholeheartedly. More than a few were and are believers!
Here’s a touching and personal story:
One cousin (Ginny, with a link below)...
Decades ago, in South Caroline, before it was outlawed or legalized, she and her partner married in Charleston. She invited my dad and his brother (her uncles), as they lived in the city, and both of her parents had passed away.
These two elderly Southern gentlemen were conservative and raised in the church. While they didn't “get” gay marriage, they went... to express their unconditional love!
Because unconditional love transcends. It rises high above all lesser things, like intolerance and condemnation.
Regarding Gay Rights, I stand in support.
I won't judge anyone’s lifestyle choices, because Jesus clearly says, “Do not judge.” Neither will I judge particular groups. My eyes can't see into the human heart. I'm not God's class action prosecutor.
Knowing my own state of imperfection, I must drop all stones of accusation.**
Certainly, love is God's top Commandment. Although I still have a long way to go, love is the race I most aspire to win.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Hollywood loves and supports gay people. They’re cherished throughout mainstream media. For ALL good reasons, you should love them, too.
Hot Topics: Gay Rights/Marriage (Part 28)
* Ginny Deerin is my first cousin, and she has spent her life trying to help disadvantaged children and facilitate good government:
** I’ve read “sin lists” (meticulously detailed) with up to 667 sins. Everything from anxiety to depression to lying, and yes, homosexuality was on most of them. But keep in mind 3 things: 1) All sins are equal, as in anxiety = murder. 2) All of us still sin every single day. 3) Thank God the Blood of Jesus covers and cleans us, but we still have no right to judge.
** I believe the best Teacher to convict us of our personal sins is God's Holy Spirit. He is patient and gentle. If Christians treat others with hatred, why would they want to join Christ's church? And if they don't become part of Christ's church, how will they receive His Spirit? We're supposed to preach Good News: love, forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation. Shouldn't the church correct its own? Yes, but that unique job must be done by the most humble and gentle saints within it. I'm not there yet.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!