Justice League – Fightin’ Friday

February 19, 2010

February Focus on Discrimination & Human Rights

STORY
We sat in the park, it was a wonderfully sunny day. My friend and I had ventured in to the heart of the city, and as we got coffee we decided to sit in the park, soak up the sunshine, share the journey of the day and talk away the afternoon. His face turned serious for a moment, and then he said, “I have something to tell you…(pause)…I’m gay.”

The moment on that day when my friend told me this, he thought I’d be all “hell fire and brimstone”, those where his exact words. He thought the world would end. He wanted to tell me, we were good friends, the best of friends, we trusted each other. He knew I was a Christian and he had expected me to push him away, but instead I moved closer and said “I accept you, we are friends, always here.”

UNPACK IT
The experience of many people who identify with being gay, who experience same gender attraction, who are bi-sexual, is one where Christians or ‘the Church’ do not accept them. This is an error by Christians and by ‘the Church’.

What is wrong with ‘the Church’? What is wrong with Christ followers when they do not accept a person? We should not be about hate. We are not about dividing. I do not understand why God’s people would be quick to judge others when we’ve experienced God’s grace, acceptance and love ourselves.

Here’s a good piece from the bible
John 13:34- 35
Jesus said, “ a new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

If you’re a faithful Christ follower, keep to Jesus’ commands.

BUILDING BRIDGES
Take time to understand, to listen. Here are some links to resources, videos and articles about same gender attraction, Christianity and the Church.

Bridging the Gap – video from New Direction
Out Of The Closet & Into the Youth Room – author Brian Pengelly M.Div, Youth Specialist, New Direction. (PDF)
Growing up gay in the Church

PRAY
Lord help me to follow you, be faithful to you, love all, accept all. Lord, you are not about hate. You are also not about dividing. Help me to love others because by doing so, everyone will know that I am your disciple (follower).
Amen

MORE INFO
See February’s full justice post with all the details here

Drop by next Friday for another post with actions you can take & prayer suggestions

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