Thursday, May 24, 2012

Gay Marriage: Spiritual Battle vs. Political Battle

Please read its entirety before commenting. And if you happen to be a Christian please do me the courtesy of taking the time to pray about what God would have you comment if He would have you comment at all. Thank you.

This is a topic I have long debated over within myself and at this point I couldn't be more confused about my actual opinion. I'm tired of thinking of the left side as "the enemy" and going with the right side just because other Christians tell me to. I know that I will receive flak from relatives and friends for this but I'm just not convinced that this is a political battle. I'm just not convinced that it is necessarily wrong to let persons of the same sex to legally marry. *GASP*
OH NO SHE DI'INT! Oh yes I did! I said it. And yes, I am still a Christian who knows what scripture says about marriage. I know, I know, I know so don't give me any lectures puh-please. If I am wrong in my thinking let God work in my heart His truth.
Now I'm not saying I agree with people who are gay getting married, because ultimately I want and pray that they will come to Jesus and repent of their sins because I don't want them to spend forever in hell and I want them to be healed of their pains and love Jesus with all their hearts and serve Him. But like I just said I do not believe it is my right to take away civil rights that our country promises.
At the same time I do not rejoice when finding out someone it gay or that they are going to get married, it really breaks my heart. However, who am I to keep them from being together legally? What right have I to cast the first stone? 40 years ago it was against the law for a person of white skin and a person of black skin to marry. Something we find so outrageous nowadays. I understand it is different being that one person was male and the other female but certain parts of the country denied them this basic civil right.
I feel guilty sometimes about thinking this way and I'll pray to God that if I am against Him to change my heart and mind. I suppose I am a gay-rights sympathizer, I know that I cannot vote for it because of what the bible clearly says that a marriage is between a man and a woman. Then again I don't know if I could rightly vote against it, believing what I do about our country. I guess I just understand the political point they are coming from/ 
I want to clarify something. I don't mean "healed" in a sense like homosexuality alone is evil and they must be rid of it. I mean "healed" in the way that Jesus heals all of our hurts, scars, buried deep abuse and violations. I want them and everyone, literally, to know the wholeness of healing with Jesus. How refreshing and freeing it is. Not to say it isn't difficult to go through having gone through some major healing a few times. 
Some scripture I have been reminded of while writing this:
Genesis 2:24
"Therefore a man shall leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh."

John 8:2-11
"At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' They were using this question as a trap in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write in the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him he straightened up and said to them, 'Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'
Again he stooped down and began to write on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'
'No one sir' she said.
'Then neither do I condemn you' Jesus declared, 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'

The point is, I am not condoning the lifestyle but neither am I condemning those who live it.This is a spiritual battle but a political one? I'm still praying about that. I pray for conviction in their ways and that God will soften their hearts to receive His forgiveness and healing. Mostly I pray that hateful Christians won't make it harder for those of us God has given a love for this group. I believe that this may be part of my calling. To love on them as Jesus would have me and not to judge or criticize.
 
Matthew 7:1-6
"Judge not, lest ye be judged. For with that judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with that measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye. but not consider the plank in your own eye. Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck in your eye', and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank in your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck form your brother's eye.
Do not give what is Holy to the dogs; not cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces."
Did you see that? "...turn and tear you in pieces." YIKES!
Of course there are so many other bible verses that I could quote but that would take all night and it's already nearing 1am for me. If you want look up this website that talks about God's view of marriage: Marriage Bible Verses
May God give us all discernment and wisdom in such a controversial topic, and may He give us a loving attitude towards those we do not understand nor agree with. Give us the strength to stand up for your word. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. 




7 comments:

  1. Jordan, I have been struggling with this also. And have come to the same conclusion that you have. It is not up to us to judge as we are all sinners. I have actually been tormented with this issue and have to really search my heart and God for understanding. When it gets right down to it, the only thing I object to is marriage in the church. As far as civil rights and such that is not for me to judge, condemn nor is it for me to condone because of my beliefs...However, does it keep me from having gay friends...no will it keep me from being sympathetic....no.

    It is political whether we think it should be or not. That is how our government works. Roliticians (both sides) want the vote and are swayed and seduced by those votes, with money and power. Sad? Very! But that is reality.

    We as christians will continue to pray and seek God daily for understanding and purpose. I believe God does not want us to sit back and do nothing. But to be mindful and ready when the Holy Spirit moves us in directions that we may be to cowardly to go!

    I applsud you for taking this stand by doing something that is clearly a conviction by the Holy Spirit for you to witness to others!

    Jerri Hare is an excellent person to seek out and counsel with on these matters. She has alot of insight and verbalizes with a gentle spirit. Much like yourself.

    Amen and God Bless YOU!

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  2. Okay, so, what I want to say is for ME, it's a completely political decision to vote against gay marriage. Why?? Because I really honestly believe that opening that door is making it SO much easier for people to cheat the system... Get benefits they're not entitled to... It's not because I'm a gay-hater. EVERY KIND of sin separates us from God. Their homosexual acts are exactly as equal to God as my lying tongue. And I THINK a person can be gay and not sin against God... Though I haven't fully puzzled that one out. I'm definitely not the person you described, but I'm glad you are. God needs ministers for every kind of sinner, an offering of salvation that every different kind of person can u dear stand and accept.

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  3. I have tons to say about this issue, but don't have a whole lot of time this morning. I do see your point and find myself feeling similar at times...if you look at it politically it's no ones right to take away anothers... But is that ALL that's going on?? I can't help but think that this is one of satans way to continue to perverse our country... To turn society against God and all that is virtuous... I see it as a part of a huge spirital battle and pray that God spares our blindness.. Are we so different than Sodom & Gomorrah?

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    1. Tiff, exactly why it WOULD be a moral/religious decision for me. Same reasoning behind my vote to NOT legalize marijuana, even though the state could make so much money...

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  4. You all were so much nicer than I was expecting. Thanks.

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