While my kids slept in on a summer morning, the world changed.
And I’m not just talking about new legislation.
On Friday, while some celebrated and others fell into discouragement, terrorists had a bloody field day on the world. Again.
Children lost parents, little girls were raped, men were beheaded, the poor faced another hungry night, women faced unspeakable oppression and innocent blood ran in the streets, while racial hate crimes and tension continue to divide our country. We might have paused to read a headline or shuddered at the atrocities our neighbors are facing, and then gone about our normal life. I’m convinced if Christians spent half as much time praying for those suffering as we do arguing with those we don’t agree with, the Church would be stronger and our world would be a different place.
It’s probably not shocking that our family disagrees and is saddened by this new law. We are also discouraged by the hate on both sides of the opinion and the lack of concern for the poor and persecuted in our world.
This isn’t the first time courts have tried to redefine truth based on cultural shifts or opinion. I still hold fast to a Biblical worldview, not a secular one and we choose to live by the truth in God’s Word. I’m convinced that God’s love for mankind cannot be limited or defined by our culture and we will continue to look for ways to love people.
This decision may change Christianity in America. But I believe it needs to change.
We are too comfortable in our easy faith.
We are too concerned about our neighbor’s sin when our own is glaring.
We need less comfort and more concern for others.
We need to spend less and give more.
We need to cling to the Cross instead of fear.
We need less of us, more of Him.
Our faith in action isn’t a To Do List. It’s a response to Christ laying down His life for us. We comfort and care because we have been comforted and cared for. We give because He has been generous to us. We love because He first loved us.
I want people to see my love for others louder than my opinions and doctrine. I want my children to see me love people. Period. Locally and globally. The Church hasn’t done a good job of both standing for absolute truth and loving people no matter their religious beliefs, race or sexual preference. It’s time we do both well.
If we hold the Bible as truth, we know the end of time as we know it, will come. And we can let hope arise within us or walk in defeat. We can convince people we are right or we can lay down our life for those we think are wrong. We can spend our days bemoaning a Supreme Court decision or we can spend it on the Great Commission.
One is easier than the other.
It’s easy to be right. It’s easy to ignore the needs of others.
Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
At the end of the day, this is what I want my kids to know: Love really does win- The Greatest Love of all defeated death, hell, the grave and every one of our sins on a Cross more than 2,000 years ago. No matter what we believe, God is love and legislation can never alter that truth.
I’ve heard over and over from other Christians in despair…”What now? What do we do now?”
God has not changed—and neither have his requirements for us. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8,
I’ll tell you what I’m going to do today: There are 8 young girls in India, rescued from a brothel where day after day they endured a hell I simply cannot fathom. They have suffered at the hands of evil men and for the first time in their young lives, they are tasting freedom. These 8 precious girls have been making hundreds of earrings for months now-it’s not only kept their hands busy, while they’ve experienced real love, it’s renewed their self esteem, restored hope and provided sustainable income.
I’m going to pray for them. I’m going to tell their story. I’m going to find 50 more women to buy their earrings so we can provide more jobs. I’m going to close my eyes and imagine their beautiful faces in the middle of their hell because it’s too dangerous for me to see their photographs. And the next day I’m going to do the same with another group in Kenya, and then Ethiopia and the Middle East. Because that’s the need in front of me. This is how I can love the world around me today.
That’s what I’m going to do.
What about you?
Join the Club that is empowering women and changing their world!
Thank you, Kristin — for your words, your example, your heart, your actions. You are doing a great work. Keep it up, for His glory, and in His strength.
Thank you! You have voiced my heart.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is what I have been wanting to say all weekend, but couldn’t articulate it.
Thank you and Amen, Amen and Amen!
I just finished a book about a woman in Cambodia who escaped the brothels – thank you for giving me a way to help. I clearly see your faith in action and the love you have in your heart for all people.
They only ship in the US..boo..we Canadians will have to find another way…buy a pair for me! I’ll find another way to help…let our focus be on Jesus and that Great Commission..here, there and everywhere!
Maybe you could have them shipped to someone in the U.S.?. If you don’t have anyone I would be more then happy to volunteer for that. God bless
This has been weighing on my heart. Thank you for putting it perfectly into words.
Thank you for this article; a timely reminder. Thankful that Jesus is still on the throne!! Just signed up for the earrings too 🙂
Thank you for this message! I was really down on Friday wondering what this country is coming to. You are right! We have to keep believing in Christ and showing the world our love for Him by doing just what we were doing before Friday. Thank you again!
YES!!!!! Have shared it on my FB page!!!
Thanks!
Beautifully said! I am encouraged. Thank you for speaking that truth over me. There is a lot of truth in there that I am excited to share with my children. Blessings to you and your family. Continue being His voice and shining His light.
Thank you! My heart is usually quite content amidst the craze of the world, but the hatred shown over same-sex marriage has hurt. While I don’t believe that religion rules should prevent same-sex families from having rights just as hetero families, I DO believe in God, in being good (in the name of God and simply for humanity), and just caring for everyone. I truly want same-sex families to have rights (especially for their children)…they will be together regardless the laws. …they will be families regardless the laws, and they will love just like other families. It’s not our job to limit others when they are not harming others. We limit thieves, rapists, abusers and more because they harm. It hurts me that people apply judgement and want restrictions for others …it does no good. It hurts because people that don’t understand or disagree, they judge and think NO BODY should be allowed. It hurts because my kids may face this lifestyle, because I know how heartbreaking it would be if I were not straight and found love and family, but mostly it hurts because people ARE NOT LOVING ONE ANOTHER, NOT ACCEPTING ONE ANOTHER, AND NOT SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER. This world is hard enough. It’s okay to disagree, but we all need support and love. So, THANK YOU for turning this subject into a mission for good. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for loving. Thank you for reading my rant. ..until now, I’ve been unable to express this pain. Thank you.
Thank You Andrea, very well said. Everybody, like you said, centers on “How can we let this happen”? Let LOVE happen?, is what I answer… I hate that it has come down to the Supreme Court ruling to allow us, as human beings, to love who we love, when there is so much more we could be concentrating on!! So Thank You Andrea and all who support a loving God that Loves us all no matter who we love!
Thank YOU
Well said – I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling.
Here’s another organization to which you can donate in Brazil saving girls from sexual enslavement and exploitation, many who have been sold by their own parents. http://meninadanca.org/
Beautifully said. I may not agree with you on the ruling, but oh my goodness, YES, I agree with you on this post. I want my energies to go towards loving like Jesus loved.
On Friday I spent some time finding out how I could help bring some joy to children of women fleeing abusive situations.
On Saturday I spent my morning helping women who may have been thrown some curves in life to feel pampered and beautiful.
And this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to figure out how I will be called to love next.
I agree with your focus on loving Jesus!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Very well written and much needed!!
Thank you!!
Well said. I also think we have gotten too comfortable. Maybe Jesus has given us all a collective thorn in the flesh to wake us up. I don’t know, but I think focusing on what we can do is a great place to begin.
I was reading in Revelation 2:1-7 about the Church in Ephesus. Jesus commended them for hating the things about the culture around then was producing and to combatting false teaching. Then He told them that He had one thing against them. . .they lost their first love. We warned them to repent or He would remove their lamp stand. I agree with the proverbial thorn in the flesh but I wondered if maybe it’s gone further. We’ve strayed so far that our lamp stand has been removed. The only answer I could see was repentance. And in response to that repentance would be what this post is saying. How do we respond? Be the bride of Christ that follows Christ into loving the world that He loves and came to save and trusting His Sovereign rule. This was so beautifully written and allowed me to put into words what I have been thinking about all weekend. I knew the answer wasn’t in all the backlash or agreeing versus disagreeing. There was something more. Something more Christ centered than panic. Thank you for the encouragement and redirection.
This is the best thing that I’ve read on the internet since the ruling! Amen and Thank You!
Beautifully said.
Great perspective with such a needed call to action. Thank you!
Yes! This is beautifully written, and so encouraging. Thank you!
I agree totally. The question I’m left with, though, is regarding Christians who have decided that this sin should be ‘celebrated’. They say that we celebrate when a couple who have been divorced gets married, so we should celebrate gay couples too. They say if you love them you will be happy for them. Is this part of the ‘falling away’ foretold in the Bible?
Thank you so very much! You have put into words exactly how I’ve been feeling and praying! Joining you in prayer for the saints who are suffering and in rejoicing over these beautiful girls and their new freedom-and I can’t wait to order some of their earrings! God bless you for this post-He is glorified!
where can we get the earrings?
I’ve had my head up my but ! I didn’t realize ,know , could not imagine , all this stuff was going on ! I guess I’ve been in my own little world and blind as a bat! Thanks for waking me up. Changed for ever !!! Mike
Your words literally brought tears to my eyes. So well thought out and written. I have been so disheartened by the vitriol coming from my Christian brothers and sisters since this ruling came down. My wife shared this article on her Facebook account and I am so glad she did. I think every Christian should read it!
Amen! I love your words and totally agree. We just returned Saturday from our 3rd mission trip to Kenya. We took a suitcase of baby clothes and blankets for you on our previous trip in 2011 and met Maureen at the Nairobi airport to deliver them. I learned about Mercy House then and love, love the work they (and you) do. I will pray for all of the souls you touch right along with the orphans and others we worked with on our two glorious weeks there. There is so much of God’s work to do and spending any time on debating The Supreme Court’s decision just doesn’t fit into my schedule and is a waste of time! I’m sharing your post!
THANK YOU! We all need to hear this…love and action a winning solution.
Thank for this great reminder to not get distracted from the work God has called me to do today.
I am one of those affirming Christians who celebrated the SCOTUS decision. And, wept at the hatred and panic and rage i felt like a blast furnace from my fellow Christians. Before the decision, God told me to love and love and love – and introduce people to our beautiful Jesus whenever possible. I felt overwhelmed by pain and discouragement as I seemed to be caught in the gap between the joy of my gay friends who only want to be treated like everyone else and the fear and confusion of some Christian friends who want to love, yet believe gay marriage is encouraging sin. I want to love people on both sides of my life. Your words remind me, too, of my first love – and my first calling. Thank you. So, today I will go out into the streets of San Francisco as a missionary to homeless and exploited women. Today I will love and laugh with them and invite them to share coffee or join our ministry’s manicure outreach. Or maybe just “be” together on a street corner. Smile. “How are things?” Hug. “See you again?”….Thanks for the reminder of what – and who – is first.
This is the post that brings both sides together. Thanks for reminding us about what really matters. 🙂
That’s the definition of a christian!
I want a pair. Love to help and pray.
Great thoughts! And I agree with you. God has not changed. Marriage has not changed. We must be sure the only things we change is to become ever more focused on the specific job HE has given each of us to do.
I wrote my thoughts here: http://www.drcarolministries.com/when-your-faith-conflicts-with-government/
Hi Kristen, this post is so beautiful. Like many others said in their comments, it’s been easy to get side-tracked from the Great Commision by a ruling we can’t control. But God’s mission for us hasn’t changed. I’m so excited to be a part of the FTFgroup, spreading the word about your great organization and helping more women find peace and joy in Jesus and self-respect in the work of their hands. You rock!
Thank You!
This was the most wonderful message I have read and such loving replies whether for or against; love reigns. We all fall short of Gods grace and my sin is no less than anyone else’s. Gods grace is given for all. Love one another.
Couldn’t agree more…been saying these things for years. Thanks for sharing!!
I saw in my Facebook feed this week “the enemy rejoiced at the SCOTUS’s decision” – I believe he did. But not because men can now marry men. I believe he’s rejoicing because as long as we focus on a law that really doesn’t affect most of us, we AREN’T focusing on all the horrible things you mentioned above. Not only are we focusing on the wrong things……. he’s managed to divide us, once again. I’ve seen Christian friends who’ve supported the ruling called out on social media and defriended. This weekend as our pastor discussed the ruling and how disappointing it is – some cheered while others got up and walked out. Christians are sending their gay “friends” articles (out of “love” of course) this week about how wrong this is and what the bible says (as if they haven’t heard it a million times already, Leviticus, yadda yadda….. .THEY KNOW) and that they are “praying for them” – Gays who want to celebrate are feeling like they have to hide their joy from their Christian friends…….. yep – pretty sure Satan is doing the happy dance over all of it.
I really really like the idea of supporting artisans like the young women you feature here. I couldn’t help but notice though, how just previously in your, “We need…” list you said, We need to spend less. This is in direct opposition to the suggestion to support the craftswomen. You may very well consider buying the earrings as a “charitable act,” but that sentiment will not keep their enterprise going for long. I think repeat-customers (as they add a new style, say, every few months) is what they will need. Thanks for the heads-up.
I couldn’t put into words why when some of my friends were so upset over the new legislation, I just wasn’t. I am not happy nor sad about it. I am not appalled nor rejoicing about it. Thanks for putting it into words for me. It’s because there are far worse things going on in this world than this legislation. We are focusing on the wrong thing and a long as we are doing that, satan wins.
Spend less and give more! That is my favorite line, almost. For those of us who already buy practically everything we own at the thrift store, we can still find ways to give! It always amazes me when I find my little stash of gifts, used or not, is just right for someone’s need. Every profitable Christian business ought to be ashamed if they are not giving to the local church and to those who suffer the greatest needs.
To all of this? Yes! Thank you, once again, for your words.
Although I agree with you on most points, and the work you do in serving others is highly commendable, we need to remember to speak the truth in love and carry the gospel to those we serve. It’s not a social gospel. We can love and serve in Christ’s name, but how is it any different than other religions if there is no truth spoken from the whole of God’s Word? If we are silent on what the Bible says about homosexuality and other sins, how is that love? For those who are non-believers, we can’t expect them to have the same beliefs and commitment to the God of the Bible and His Word, either. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court was inevitable with a nation of people who don’t worship the true God. Demise of nations has happened over and over in history when the people start to doubt and ignore God’s Word and head down their own paths of human wisdom and lawlessness. God’s people are the body of Christ, each with his own gifts. Some have gifts of serving, while others have gifts of wisdom, knowledge, discernment and admonition. The purpose of the gifts are to build the body of Christ and to enable us to do what He calls us to do. So, not everyone is called to do the same work as you. Some are called to help guide this country of ours and discern what is right and good for the nation and to address political issues such as the recent ruling. We should support those people in government and those who speak the truth about what God says about homosexuality, as harsh as it is. If we don’t, we pretend that what God says about it isn’t as important as helping the poor, which isn’t true. We need to support those people as much as we want them to support those of us who are the helpers and servers. Otherwise, we are the ones who are guilty of being devisive within the body. As far as homosexuality, and sins of any kind, we are admonished by Paul in Romans 12 to NOT continue in sin. Make no allowance for sin, even the appearance of sin, but repent. I am thankful to you and many others on the front lines of confronting sin, in nations who have never sought to hold to Biblical principles, and where there is great oppression to women in particular, but also I’m very thankful to those speaking up on a very unpopular topic. We should all be as bold. We are a distinctive people and preach a distinctive message, and it won’t be the first time we are unpopular in our distinctiveneness. The true gospel brings life to some, but is a stumbling block to others. I encourage all who share the good news of Christ, the whole gospel, the truth in love, in every way and in every place, wherever He can use us according to His purposes even when it is difficult and unpopular.
Amen and amen.
WE ARE NOT TO CONDEMN THE PEOPLE BUT NEITHER ARE WE TO ACCEPT SIN. ACCEPTING AND GOING ABOUT YOUR OWN LIFE WHILE IT CONTINUES TO GO AGAINST “THE WORD” IS TAKING ONE STEP OUTSIDE THE WAY YOU ARE TO LIVE. YES YOU ARE TO LOVE EVERYONE…YES WE ARE NOT TO JUDGE, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE WE ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO STAND BY AND ALLOW THINGS TO CONTINUE WITHOUT SPEAKING YOUR WAYS AS A CHRISTIAN…DID NOT THE LORD CALL IT A SIN…WAS NOT LOT SAVED WHILE THE REST WERE DESTROYED IN SODOM AND GHOMORRA BECAUSE OF THE SAME THING WAS GOING ON AS WAS RULED ACCEPTABLE HERE IN THE US….WE NEED TO BE AWARE AND STAND UP…YOU LET THINGS SLIP LITTLE BY LITTLE AND SOON WE TOO WILL SLIDE IN …satan HAS A WAY OF CREEPING EVER SO SLOWLY WITHOUT CHRISTIANS RECOGNIZING IT TILL ITS TOO LATE…WE ARE ALSO TO BE ON OUR GAURD DILIGENTLY…TO BE PREPARED FOR JUST A THING….YES WE NEED TO HELP OUT WHEREVER POSSIBLE…YES WE NEED TO LOVE EVERYONE…YES IT IS NOT OUR RIGHT TO JUDGE LESS WE BE JUDGED ALSO. YES WE NEED TO TELL ABOUT JESUS…NO WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE RULING…NO WE DO NOT LET IT JUST SLIP BY AND ACT LIKE ITS NOT OUR CONCERN…NO WE DO NOT LET IT IN OUR HOUSEHOLD…YES WE KEEP OUR CHILDREN FROM IT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE OR AT LEAST TEACH THEM IT IS NOT THE WAY OF THE LORD DESIGNED MARRIAGE TO BE…REGARDLESS OF HOW WE HUMANS SAY.
Thank you. Your comment was just what this post needed.
Well said. I have long said that Christians need to shut up, but show up. There are many voices in this world, all calling for our attention. And the Christian voice is sadly just one of many. What we need to do is start showing that love. Showing that difference that God has made in our lives, and letting people see that love. The biggest compliment I have ever received is someone saying to me (someone I did not know) that they can see I am a Christian. And that is what we need to show the world. Let God do the changing, let us do the loving.
I was traveling in Greece last weekend. I sat in a train across the aisle from a family of Kurdish refugees from Syria. Here I was, traveling to the beach riding in the same train as this family traveling to find work for the first time in a while. I left my job to go on vacation, while they left their homes to avoid war.
Thank you for your emphasis on focusing on the millions of people suffering today.
Very interesting article that I agree with. In addition, I think Christians spend far too much time complaining about everything including each other instead of finding ways to be united and affect the world.
Wish I lived closer since I love the work you’re doing!
I’m not doing it today, but I’m doing it in 2 days! I’m taking all 13 of my nieces with me to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti to work with orphaned children at the I’m Me Orphan Prevention Program!! I want them to experience the joy and love that comes from giving to others who are much less fortunate than us. God told us to take care of the widows and orphans and that is exactly what we will be doing for 6 days!!
Earthly judges will never be able to over-rule our Heavenly judge and father. Homosexual sex is still a sin. It is as bad of a sin as murder, rape, and lying. May I always be reminded to take the log out of my own eye before helping my neighbor with their sliver.
This is so beautiful. Thank you.
Kristen, what a beautifully written, poignant and powerful message not about the ruling, or legislation, but about our responsibility to the world. If you love Jesus and believe in God’s word then it is our duty to not just say we love but be love in ACTION. Love is doing and showing and it truly is the one most important request from God’s word, for indeed, Love covers all. As a follower of Christ, there are far more pressing issues right here in America as well as globally that we can address rather then some legislation that we as citizens can’t change. What’s done is done. Whether we support the ruling or not, it is what it is. Let God be the judge. I want to know when is burning down churches in the South enough, when is violence against men & women of color enough, when are women and children who are kidnapped and forced into the sex trade enough? How many children have to go hungry everyday until we say, as citizens,enough? I can do my part, by purposely walking in love, showing mercy and kindness and by partnering with ministries I know are anointed and whom share Christ, love people and transforms lives with the Gospel and walking in Love. This is my goal. Thank you for putting it in to perspective. Blessings.
It has been interesting reading all the “opinions” so many have expressed. One thing continues to be finished. What is continually missing? I will tell you. It is letting God be God. We should have such a love of GOD that we are smothered in Him. The only true way to love. We cannot but He can. Adoring the Creator, breathing Him in, choosing to make HIM number one is where Truth lies. It may not sound right, but if we do not love God, all of the service in the world will be like a clanging cymbal because anything that takes the place of God is an idol. Even good works can become an idol in our lives. God should have His rightful place. It is Him we should grieve. He is the One who sets the captives free and then they are free indeed. Anything else is a bandaid. I am disconcerted with any Christian who would worry more about another’s subjective opinion of happiness and love rather than the absolute Truth of God’s Divine love. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways. Only God can free the homosexual from his obsession with his perception. Why settle for man’s many ” voices” rather than God’s clear message? I really do not understand a desire to free those enslaved by the sexual perversion of others as are all sex slaves, but turn away from the Truth that stops the slide down the slippery slope of perversion. We all sin. It is always through repentance that we are made whole, which only comes as we draw nearer to The Perfect One. Only then do we see our imperfection.
God Blss you! I wondered if you would have a response the decision. And your response brought me to tears. To be honest, I agree with the SC decision legally, spiritually is something else not for me to judge. But I don’t need to agree with your thoughts on the decision to agree with and understand your response- beautiful, sincere, full of love. Thank you.
I would like to address a couple of statements made by the author:
1. The article says, “We are also discouraged by the hate on both sides of the opinion…”
Expressing Hate for those we disagree with is wrong. I post what I post to educate, not to express hate. I do not recall seeing any post by any of my Christian friends that I would consider to be hateful concerning this issue. Many of us are angry and saddened. If anyone is hateful, it should be addressed. There should be repentance and forgiveness.
2. The article says, “We are also discouraged by the hate on both sides of the opinion and the lack of concern for the poor and persecuted in our world.”
I am saddened because I see this decision directly related to poverty. The breakdown of the family is a huge factor related to poverty. To legalize same-sex marriage will lead to “why marry”, which will ultimately lead to less marriage, but procreation will not slow down. So, in effect, I foresee more and more children being conceived out of wedlock, being either aborted or abused physically and sexually, and growing up in poverty, because our government does not see the value of the traditional family.
I am saddened because Christians are being labeled as “haters” for voicing their disagreement with this ruling. Once we are labeled “hateful”, it won’t be long before we will be imprisoned. Persecution of Christians that is rampant in other parts of the world is soon to happen in America.
3. The author writes, “There are 8 young girls in India, rescued from a brothel where day after day they endured a hell I simply cannot fathom.”
I am saddened by the supreme court’s decision, as it promotes what I perceive to be sexual immorality. If our government does not fear God, and if they cannot recognize the homosexuality as sexually immoral (less than 30 years ago it was widely considered to be deviant behavior), then I have little hope that brothels with young girls will not be common throughout America in the next 30 years.
I sympathize with the author that it is a shame that Americans are fighting over these issues when there is so much suffering in the world. But to trivialize this issue does not recognize the suffering that this decision is about to inflict on the world. America is also a mission field.
Thank you for writing this, Pete. I agree 100%. It will be sad, yet interesting, to hear how some of the commenters on this post react when their children starting bring home explicit material from school; when this wonderful blog is banned because the name Jesus appears or when they are banned from FB for their Christian content.
In answer to your question…I’m gonna share…
I’ve been redeemed from A LOT. I feel like the Lord allowed me to experience some past things for such a day as this 6-26-15. And even now, I have something in common with the Gay Community. If I share this, I risk hurting the ones I love and try to protect. It’s past tense and I’ve been restored, but I still feel like I’m coming out of the closet. I don’t want to hurt others or throw that “one” under the bus in her career. And if just one utters that honest prayer that I prayed, “I want to want out”, then wow, the power of hell watch out! It will have been worth it, they are worth it. I feel like these type of stories need to get out there (like a movie, lol) in light of all the negative. My heart is heavy, I fear God more than I fear what others think and say about me. Here goes:
It’s been exhausting, hasn’t it? Living two lives…being one person within this setting and another in that. How did it end up like this? How could something feel so right and be so wrong to so many? You know and love God, what happened? How could that oxymoron be? You may have even scoured scripture searching for a loophole.
At first, it was easy. No one suspected anything. Maybe you didn’t realize that when that “one person” called you at work that your tone of voice, length and breadth of the conversation was ‘different’, even with code names and words.
You bravely confided in that one strong, Christian friend who would never condemn. That person went with you to gain counsel from leadership. The obvious was lovingly stated, “It’s sin”. The solution, stop it. Stop it? Yes, and avoid it. Avoid it? You sorta were and it still snuck in the back door. You NEVER dreamed you’d fall into this pit. It was and never has been on your radar screen. Stop it, avoid it. Do you want to? No. Can you, even? Strangely,………no.
Which leads to co-workers who love you just asking a simple question and your defensiveness was likely a dead giveaway. With the monopoly of your time and exclusivity, your other roommates wonder and ask. “Is there something going on between the two of you?” Oh man, “No!” Now you’ve gone and lied, again, again and again.
You love your family and friends and you would never deliberately hurt them. Which hurt is worse, the lie or the truth? Yes, the truth would obliterate. Therefore, you isolated from them and created another world where life like that could exist without lies.
Inwardly, you jumped up and down at the decision of the Court on June 26th 2015. You admire those who outwardly celebrate, but you can’t. You have permitted both worlds to coexist. Social media made perfect sense at the time, keep in touch with all my loved ones at a safe distance, with much discretion.
Uh oh, the court’s decision has just REALLY complicated things. Participating would mean both worlds have to collide. Wow, I don’t know…!? We NOW have a huge personal decision, are we are going to commit to each other through marriage. Marriage? Marriage! Wait, sex outside of marriage is wrong. What? Wait! Hold on.
“Oh, God! Oh, myyyy God! What am I going to do?” Whoa, did I just pray or was that just a random expression of emotion?
“Ummmm, Lord? Down deep, I know you love me and there was, is, never will be anything that makes you love me more or less. I want to want out. The only thing I’m sure about right now…the one thing I know that I know that I know, You are Love.”
Well-said.
Good article, well written. I think though while we are called to love, yes always love, loving doesn’t mean throwing out the truth. We can love while still standing for truth, meaning I can tell people hey God says that is wrong, what you are doing, you life style is going to kill you as all sin leads to death, and in saying this still be loving?? From the comments some have given, it seems as if we are supposed to just let this decision stand, and don’t defend the truth because to defend the truth would be unloving, when in all fact defending what is true is actually loving then trying to pretend or allow people to believe what is not true. The truth will set you free, if you want people to be free you must be truthful, that means even if the truth might offend for how else can they be free?