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My friend Missy went downtown to run an errand. Once the chore was done, she noticed a parade a block away. She and her two-year-old son, Connor, settled on a grassy spot enjoying the band, clowns and all good things which comes with a parade.
A man walked over to two ladies and their children sitting next to Missy. He pointed his finger at a girl about eight years of age and said, "Your mommies are going straight to hell, little girl. The judgment of God will come upon their wicked souls."
Missy was shocked. Just then she looked across the street spotting signs being held by Christians which read "God Hates Fags." That's when she realized they were at a Gay Pride Parade. To be honest, she didn't know if those two women were homosexuals or simply moms who stumbled upon a parade like she did. Right then she didn't care either way because righteous indignation arose within my friend as she gave the man an earful.
What I'm about to say may shock some of my Christian readers. Missy doesn't think God hates fags and neither do I. Let me word it a little more politely…Missy doesn't think God hates homosexuals. I believe it's a wrong premise to say God hates any people. I'm proud she stood up to the man.
Don't get me wrong…I am not a proponent for homosexuality. I do not support the act or the lifestyle. I am not naïve and understand the gay community does have a broad, intentional agenda promoting its ways. God makes it very clear in His word sexual perversion will be judged.
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
However, while God does hate the "things" which people do, He doesn't hate the people which do them. Here are some of my reasons to support such a statement:
Even when I was still a dirty, rotten scoundrel, God loved me. He loved you too for that matter, long before you ever thought about loving Him. That includes all sinners who need to be saved by grace, including homosexuals.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 8:6-8 (NIV)
God sent His Son into the world because of His great love for mankind. It is His ultimate desire to have friendship and fellowship with me, you and anyone who will call on His name. The good news is God has people faithfully working in the homosexual community. There are compassionate Christian organizations daily ministering to these people who most Christians consider untouchables.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
There are several Biblical stories where Jesus reached out to sexually immoral people and He changed their lives forever. There was the woman caught in the act of adultery. Instead of stoning her, Jesus forgave her and showed her compassion. Repentance didn't come until He reached out to her first.*
Remember the Samaritan woman at the well? Jesus didn't shun her nor was He repulsed by her. He transformed the woman's life by offering her what she had been thirsting for all along…unconditional, godly love.** I'm not a psychiatrist, but I'm thinking most folks involved in sexual perversions have a tremendous hunger and thirst. The void they're trying to fill must be vast.
If Jesus was at that parade, what sort of sign would He hold up? I believe His sign would read "I Love You This Much." There would be a picture of His outstretched arms while He hung on the cross.***
Instead of holding up a "God Hates Fags" sign, what would be the impact if Christians held up Jesus' sign? I wonder when the next Gay Pride Parade will take place. I have a sign to make.
*John 8:1-11
**John 4:4-30
***John 3:16; 1 John 3:16
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