On homosexuality

So this morning, we heard Mike Haley of Focus on the Family speak on the subject of 'Preserving Gender'. That title put me off a bit, but what he said was very realistic, and intelligent. He promoted the idea that, loving the sinner, but hating the sin missed the mark. He said, in the context of sexual preference, people tend to identify/define themselves as being homosexual. Thus, if you try to tell them that you love them, but hate what they do, it doesn't work.

He talked about decisions we may be presented with as Christians: your lesbian neighbors have just been artificially inseminated, do you congratulate them? He's says, yes! The creation of life is a sacred and blessed event, no matter the context. Do you attend the same-sex ceremony of your gay acquaintances? Not a good idea. That would be condoning a sin. There is a difference. Your lesbian co-worker just got dumped by her partner. Do you offer to pray that her partner will return? No, but she is hurting. You can pray with her that she will stop hurting. Loss of a relationship is painful as a human being, no matter the circumstances. Appeal to her humanity.

Mike says how, at the foot of the cross, the ground is level:

1Co 6:9-10 HCSB Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, (10) thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom.

So don't approach gays any differently than you might approach anyone else you are trying to help. That makes sense to me. We are all imperfect humans.

He said some gays tend to have a chip on their shoulder, in reference to Christians. They've gotten used to being scolded for 'choosing' that lifestyle and being rejected. For one thing, Mike says, no one would choose to feel what gays feel, it's not easy. Sometimes he says, they will be bitter to Christians in anticipation of rejection. If they do, it won't be so bad when they are finally actually condemned by someone and rejected. However, he says, if we look past that and remain loving, compassionate, and caring. We will be much more effective.

He talked about how often people think what a gay man needs is simply the love of a 'good woman'. He says it's not a good idea to trade one kind of lust for another. The better answer would be the love of good, Christian men. Someone to fill the void of male companionship and affirmation that they didn't get growing up.

The talk lasted about an hour, there's allot more. But overall it made sense, to me, very refreshing. It was some of the most rational, realistic talk I've heard in a while on the subject of homosexuality. I must concede, I was impressed.

more from 'Focus on the Family: What should be the attitude of Christians toward those who are gay?