So, you want to know what I think about Same Sex Marriage, huh?

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lostseed.com

lostseed.com

John 8

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

lostseed.com

lostseed.com

  • Want to know what I think as a Christian about same sex marriage? Or adultery? Or cheating, stealing, pride, drug abuse, pornography or telling lies, even white ones, or hatred, or anything else that can be called sin according to the scriptures?
  • Want to know what I think, as a Christian, about fairness, equality, prejudice, discrimination, laws, regulations, rules, churches, and parades?
  • Want to know what I think, as a Christian about speaking the truth, love, compassion, correction, campaigns, debates, envy, strife?

Want to know? Well, here we go………

lostseed.com

lostseed.com

HE is where I stand. 

I am with HIM.

Jesus Forgives a Woman Taken in Adultery

  • Instead of getting caught up in some debate about right and wrong, Jesus drew a line in the sand and said that if someone amongst them was without sin, then they could then condemn her.
  • THEN, he told her to go and sin no more (speaking the truth in love after preventing her from being condemned).

Love without condemnation first, then loving and caring correction (after you’ve taken the plank out of your own eye, of course)

lostseed.com
            lostseed.com
  • Notice: Jesus did not “condone” her lifestyle. And He didn’t get sidetracked by whether she was at fault all on her own, or was dragged into this by someone else.
  • He stuck to His point.  And He made that point by drawing a very firm line in the sand and standing right above it. Tall.
  • He did not have to go out and say that they should make a new law to allow her to live differently, or the way she wanted to live in order to support her. He also did not do anything to go against the truth and the way the Lord would have Him deal with the situation.
lostseed.com

lostseed.com

BOTH things can be done, friends. We can love one another, even while standing strong in what we believe. We don’t have to condone actions, behaviors, or lifestyles, and we don’t have to condemn people either.

Don’t allow yourself to be forced to think of it any other way because someone is telling you that you have to. Jesus didn’t.

He didn’t have to support her lifestyle in order to stand for her as a sinner in need of a Savior…of someone worthy of His love and compassion….He didn’t have to speak out in that moment against that “sin” to stay true to what is right, noble, and holy, either. He chose to love first.

That is where I stand. With HIM.

lostseed.com

lostseed.com

I don’t need to invite someone into my house or my church and allow them to get married there just to be kind and loving toward them in spite of our differences.I don’t need to kick them out, either, if they come to me for love and kindness and support.

But, if I see them being attacked or abused, I do need to stand up and show  love….toward the person versus the “issue.” Only then, would I have any chance of addressing the “issue.” But most importantly only then do I have any chance of being Christ-like.

THIS is what so many, Christians, and non-Christians alike, do not seem to wish to accept: That we can speak the truth in love. That we can believe differently, but in love. That we can love first, above all things. That we don’t have to fight one another first, and then love next. We can still be responsible citizens and fight for what we believe in without fighting and condemning the people while we are at it. And that we can share in loving ways what we may think is right or wrong, when asked, without completely ostracizing or attempting to stone or crucify that person.

Thankfully, this woman, she did accept Jesus’ love and compassion, and then decided to follow after Him. Some? They will not. And that is their choice. And, although that is a very, very sad and heartbreaking choice, it is each person’s choice to make. We can try to share Jesus with others, but then it is up to them what they wish to do with that.

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I have seen the enemy at work lately through these issues in ways that turn my stomach. The endeavor is to get us to take our eye off the ball, and feel we have to make a choice that paints us into the corner of having to be for it while fighting, or go with it while loving. Hmmmmm. Is that really the only combination that will work? One or the other?

But what we are called to do, is to love first, and do so while not sacrificing the truth of our beliefs. What we are called to do, is to remain firm in what we believe in while simultaneously showing love, and grace, and mercy.

Hard to do, but it can be done. Jesus proves it.

Jesus made it look easy. It’s not so easy for us, is it?

Maybe we should ask Him for His supernatural wisdom, love and discernment? Maybe when we feel we are being painted into a corner, told we are “hiding behind love” to dodge the issue, we should stand with our heads held high in silence….right behind that line in the sand.

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Sin can exist on both sides of the line  – in fact, it always does. That is exactly why we need our Savior standing there right in the middle of it all.

The question is not which side of the line  you are on in relation to your particular “sin”. The question is: do you realize that He is the only thing that can really ever save us?

Yah. He can save us from one another. He can save us in spite of ourselves. And He came to do so because none of us doesn’t fall short of the holy mark of perfection.

Not one.

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60 thoughts on “So, you want to know what I think about Same Sex Marriage, huh?”

  1. I would add, or perhaps challenge with, that isn’t the truly loving thing to do is call someone away from their sin? If God says something is wrong, then it is wrong and therefore not good for us. Therefore to truly be loving we need to call people away from destructive lifestyles and behaviors. This applies to all sin of course, but especially, in this conversation, one that has so many ramifications for culture, religion, family, government, freedom, etc. I agree that the way in which we call people from their sin needs to be done in a loving and gentle manner, telling them the purpose in humility, knowing we ourselves sin. But we all too easily get caught up in “loving the sinner and not the sin” that we end up not telling them that their sin is bad for them! Thoughts?

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    • I agree- just as he did- “go and sin no more” – however, we must take the plank from our own eye first- also, the person must want to discuss it- if they don’t, I can’t hold them to these values, as they have not decided to adopt th as their own. But I don’t have to condone it either. You have a great point!

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    • Yes…you are right, that when asked, we should tell the truth in love. And we need to stand for what we believe as citizens and Christians. I just don’t think it needs to be “either/or”. And some, won’t accept that if we don’t agree, that we can still “love” them. Good point, friend. There’s always a time and place for loving and gentle sharing of what He says in His word.

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  9. I agree. To put it in a nutshell, you cannot legislate morality. I am a sinner saved by grace, as is every believer, and we MUST keep our eyes on that. I have been in heated debates this week, and frankly, no matter how I present the truth in love, I am met with hate simply for what I believe. It stinks, but I have come to expect/accept it. Even when I say to people: “this isn’t a political issue, and it isn’t a legislative one. it’s a heart issue.” they get VERY hateful.

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    • Exactly what I have found this week. I have interjected only to say “maybe we can just be loving to one another in spite of all of these differences”…many times without even sharing where I do or don’t stand, and have been met with HATE (scary stuff, actually) for not agreeing wholeheartedly. I don’t know how people can make hate out of loving statements…but they can. Love hurts, I guess.

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      • It’s getting rough. We need to be there for one another. I am so glad we have this way to do that, along with other things. No one can take Christ out of our hearts. They may take these things from us one day too – blogs, church, other things…but never can they take what is in our hearts!

  14. You may not like my comment, but I think we lost the battle in more ways than one. The Christian community has lost it’s voice among the cacophony of the majority. The religious fought this issue and inevitably succumbed. Now the question is how will the Church respond to this equal rights issue? Will She have to adjust to equality or risk legal persecution? “And make no mistake: this is not a quest for some rights and a piece of paper. We will, most assuredly, face the threat of losing our religious liberty.”
    http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thoughtlife/2013/03/rob-bell-homosexuality-and-the-new-cultural-acceptance/
    The Church is facing a paradigm. In this post modern world, is the Word of God remaining infallible or has God changed? If the Word remains infallible the Church must find it’s voice and risk the ensuing persecution.
    Love our neighbor? Love as Christ loved all mankind? Yes. But you are right, there is a line drawn in the sand.
    Cyndi
    http:advocateofhope.wordpress.com

    Reply ↓

    • Cyndi,
      I agree in many ways that some Believers (not my place to judge if they are saved or not) have succumbed to a changing mind-thought. But I always, with hope, remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. THANKFULLY! Solid ground for those of us who DESIRE to follow Him all the way can stand firm on.
      People like Rob Bell are misinterpreting (to say the least) God’s Truth. This has happened by many who claim to be (and may very well be) Born Again Believers. That doesn’t make them right. They can’t be right when they go against Truth.
      The silent voices of Believers who stand in the Truth must not continue to be silent. We do not have to agree with the opposite of Truth but we are called to love those who are confused by it and call out those who distort the Truth. Sometimes God has us be silent… until His perfect timing tells our mouths to open. And that’s discernment we must pray for.
      But let the voices of Truth be heard. He never promised easy. In fact He said to rejoice even in troubles.

      Hope your Easter is awesomely blessed!
      Heather
      http://www.Facebook.com/Open.Letter.to.Christians
      40YearWanderer.com

      Reply ↓

      • After this equality “earthquake”, I do believe the Church will rally and find Her voice in proclaiming the truth; She knows a more serious persecution awaits. Our hope, peace and rest is not in this world. This issue will divide as Christ said, not only families but His own meaning they will have to come to terms with what scripture calls sin or an abomination. The most difficult responsibility in speaking Truth is to speak it in love – as Christ did. Christ spoke and taught with authority and compassion always having time for the masses. However, He spoke firmly the Truth with the religious calling them for what they were. Should we speak likewise with the religious of our day?
        We “soldier” together, Heather!

      • Cyndi,
        I think it’s possible that we are seeing prophesy unfold before our eyes. Maybe this is a wake up call. Yes indeed it must be. I fear though that waking up for many will happen on the wrong side. And I don’t mean the wrong side of the bed. 😉
        Heather

      • I do like your comments cyndi- and Heather too! I do think we will have to face the persecution- and be as loving as we can. I also believe there is a line- if crossed, Jesus tells us we can move on – “dust off our feet” – it won’t be perceived as loving, but we aren’t basing our love on mans definition of it. See- I don’t think many care about our love – only whether or not we agree with and support them – of we don’t, we are the “others”. I will continue to show the love Jesus tells me to- and many will hate me/us for it- so be it. It sucks, but in a way, it’s all part of His plan. The line? YES, I had to draw one this week- thankfully, there is still the ability to do so when things are going too far and to no avail, but the ability to do that (protect out security, privacy, children) may go away too. Every step of the way, we need to stay in fellowship with Him, each other, and ask for His strength and His love and discernment. Hard! Come Lord Jesus, come! (Don’t forget to pray for that- we CAN you know- as long as we acknowledge we know it needs to be His will). Bless you ladies- we are in it- together- brothers and sisters in Christ!

      • Oh I agree. Come Lord Jesus! Maranatha! Sorry I came in on this conversation. It was just a great one. I love to talk with real thinking people. 🙂

      • I am glad we can all share our thoughts and feelings, our trials, and our praises! That’s what it’s all about! 🙂

  15. This is an excellent post! I feel the same way but I can’t put my words all together to make as much sense as you did. It’s hard to stand up for what you know is right. Christians should always show love to each even if they aren’t in agreement because we are all sinners and just because our sins may not be as big as someone else’s sin, we are not supposed to be in judgement – that is God’s job. At church this morning, our pastor gave an explanation of sin that made a lot of sense. He said that if one person drank a spoonful of arsenic and another drank a whole bottle, they would both be dead – so it’s like sinning a little or sinning a lot – the result for both is death. We have to ask God for help whenever we have to make a difficult decision but we still have to stand on the Word of God because it is the right thing to do. I always pray for God’s wisdom and ask Him to help those who do not believe in His truth.

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  16. I am going to come back here many times to this very post. I am sure! I am going to click follow as soon as I finish this. Thank you for finding me and liking my post! I am awed how God crosses the paths of those HE would have us connect with! This is perfect timing. My daughter is in Hollywood and has many gay friends. She does not hide that she is a BELIEVER but she basically stands by all you have posted here. She was asked once what her opinion was. It was a very loving conversation. She told him, “If you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, it does clearly say a man should not lie down with another man but it also says that you should not lie, covet, steal…” She went on to tell him she sins everyday and falls short of what she would like to be but told him about grace and ended with the question of if God views one sin greater than another and how Jesus covers us with HIS grace. It is a hard subject and you covered it well. I am going to send this to my daughter. Thank you!

    Reply ↓

    • Aah, thank you for shring. Sounds like it didn’t go badly for your daughter to take that approach! I think in my situation, it was a mob-like group of people I was trying to approach it that way with, and that may be why it didn’t go well. I have learned to share the love, and when feeling forced in a corner to tell them where I stand, to tell them I’d be happy to speak with them via “message” individually, if their motivation is really like that of your daughter’s friend – to know what God thinks and what He says. Thank you for this encouragement, and I am glad you are sharing with your daughter too!

      Reply ↓

  17. I appreciate your thoughts. One suggestion, as a fellow blogger: you have good content, but it is crowded out by all the graphics sporadically included. Maybe consider a few less pictures. At a certain point it takes away rather than adds to your point.

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    • Thank you! I will take that suggestion and play around with it. May do that in some posts, and then leave them in on others, and see what the folks reading think. I appreciate that!

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  19. Very well written. You can still be compassionate to someone even if you have a fundamental difference in beliefs and values. Eveyone is accountable for their own actions but Jesus loves us all.

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    • Thank you – I am finding my way – it is hard to stand for what Jesus says is right – as far as our lifestyle choices, laws, morals, and get others to accept that we still love them, just as we’d hope they would love us – in our differences. What I am finding, is that some people don’t want our love, but our endorsement. And, we are STILL called to love in the face of even that. Bless you, dear friend. And thank you!

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  20. We had a priest who used to say, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” It is hard to remember that- that we have to accept the whole person, regardless of what their personality is like, what quirks the have and what their lifestyle is. But we have to try every moment of every day. Great post!

    Reply ↓

    • Yes…we need to pray for one another – that we can love people, without condoning sin or watering down the word of God – we are only responsible to love them – if that goes unaccepted (and it is insisted that to love, we MUST condone), then so be it. Let’s keep praying!

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  21. Great post and loved this the best: “Sin can exist on both sides of the line – in fact, it always does. That is exactly why we need our Savior standing there right in the middle of it all.” Your thoughts were written honestly from the heart which is just the way I like it. Standing with God is the best decision anyone can ever make … thanks for reminding us 😀

    Reply ↓

    • Aaah, thank you dear friend for your encouragement and prayers. We need to love one another, but stand firm in both love and truth like Jesus does! Be blessed in Him!

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  22. God is unchangeable. God’s word is unchangeable too. In Matthew 24:35, the Lord Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Revelation 22:18-19, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
    Proverbs 30:5-6, Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

    Nicely done!! God Bless you 🙂

    Reply ↓

      • Annie B. I’ve had the discussion as you’ve mentioned about the bible,but I will seek truth. I thank you for taking the time and expressing as you stated….What you think…? I like the way you think..lol We shouldn’t manipulate the principles of God’s Word to suit vocal minority groups

        “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
        —Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV) Simply because one has tendencies or attractions ,it doesn’t make it right .

        Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, Lest he be wise in his own eyes (26:4-5). Annie B . your humbleness and you speak & gentleness here is such as the Spirit of Abba Father 🙂 as you may receive rebuke, remember The foolish on is exasperating; he/she is looking for trouble, and he often tempts us to oblige him. Since the foolish one will spout off and speak his mind, we are tempted to lose our temper with him as well. Proverbs instructs us not to allow him to get the best of us, lest we be lowered to his level.
        “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you be like him (26:4)

  23. Thank for you for writing this piece. I won’t say whether or not I support gay marriage, homosexuality, LGBT groups, etc. However, I think you’ve made a really important point: you can love someone and disagree with them. You can love someone a lot and disagree with them a lot. It’s clear that Jesus thought and felt this way. I think it applies to more than just the homosexuality conversation. Can Republicans love Democrats and hate their ideas, or vice versa? I think so. Is it possible for a Christian to love someone outside their denomination or religion and still differ on many points? Again, I think the answer is yes. Thanks again for touching on this.

    Reply ↓

    • Oh absolutely – Thank you for sharing your thoughts…I am so glad it encouraged you. More love, More God and More Joy!!!! Be blessed today – and every day, my friend.

      Reply ↓

  24. Pingback: Disagreement and Love | Treetop Mathematician

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