What I learned from a homosexual?

Although I am a pretty firm Christian believer, I do have some friends who are not. When I say "firm" I mean in terms of living their lives within the criteria set forth by God's standards of a "holy" lifestyle. Everyone seems to have their own interpretations of what that means, but that's another blog for another time.

Over the course of about 3 years I have learned that a couple of my friends are homosexuals (Well, a couple that have openly admitted this to me. There may be more). At first I was very shocked, disappointed, mad, etc, etc. But appreciative that they were able to tell me, although I'm sure uncomfortable. I realize that over the course of our lives, we'll all probably have a few in our lives who are homosexual before we leave this earth, whether it be a co-worker, family member, etc. Not all of my friends are saved, but this was new to me because at that time it was the first time I had learned that one of my close friends were homosexual.

I grew up in church all my life and this is something that according to biblical standards, I've been taught is ungodly. I believe that with all my heart and that will always be my belief so long as I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I didn't stop being friends with these people. Some may have, but I didn't. And to be honest, my reasons for not stopping were not all spiritual reasons. I believe that despite our spiritual beliefs that separate us, we are all still God's people and he put us all here to learn how to live together and deal with one another. It's not always easy because sometimes the very things we believe in deeply are the very things that keep us so far apart from each other. But my other reason for not stopping being friends with them was because I wanted to learn something. You might be saying to yourself, "What in the world do you want to learn from a homosexual?" Simple. One word: compassion. I learned how to show compassion.

That is something that a lot of us need. Yes our differences set us at odds with one another, but at one point in time, my sins set me at odds with God. Yet He was compassionate and loving enough to draw me closer to Him until He took all those sins away. I'm beginning to hear a lot from non-church goers and angry church-goers alike that Christians are so judgmental. I don't always agree with this. We just believe what we believe and stand by that no matter what! But on the flip side, what we do lack is compassion. The ability to attract sinners to the Lord is not done by hammering them down, but by drawing them in with loving-kindness.

That doesn't mean co-sign with their stuff! While I myself have to say that I can not "hang" with them like I use to or agree with all they do because our lifestyles don't match, I can be a friend and show compassion, regardless if I agree or disagree with what they're doing. It's the sin God hates, not the person! The same holds true to people in my life who drink and smoke, party & club.

Recently, I was asked by one of them if I would participate in their homosexual wedding. I admit, it hurt me to know that I would have to decline, because when we were younger, we always said that we would be in each others' wedding. I literally had to step away and pray for a minute because I never thought I'd be put in such a situation where I'd have to make a decision like this that would hurt my friend and a part of me too. That's what friends do...they are there especially in special times like a wedding. But I couldn't. Agree with me or not, standing by what you believe in at some times is not always easy, but it's always necessary. I explained that to them and they respected that. And at the end of the day, although we have differences, I am blessed to be able to have a friend that respects my beliefs although they may not uphold their lives to the same. I love them no less than I do the friends I have who believe like me, nor am I ashamed to have them a part of my life. If for some reason my view is wrong I trust that God will reveal it to me. But my prayer is that something will grow out of these small seeds being planted now.

L8r:
~faithful