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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Billboard/Poster/Sign (any or all) (12/02/10)
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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This article has been read 1034 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Noel Mitaxa 
12/11/10
Very courageous approach from the (extremely rare)middle ground of this issue. Aggressive posturing - when both sides try to claim the high moral ground - makes any dialogue difficult. You (and I) have been let down by the "God hates fags" proponent; but I also find it sad that to even lightly question homosexuality is to be immediately branded as "homophobic."
God bless you, because you will face fire from both sides.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/13/10
I respect your opinion very much and I think you show great courage in presenting it here. I also agree with every word you said. Jesus also said Those without son can cast the first stone. Christians do sin. We are not perfect. I was a Christian and had two children before I was married. I had asked Jesus into my heart and was trying to live by what I thought was the right way. I see things differently now then I did when I was younger.

Not only is this an important message and a great reminder that Christ came to die for all sinners and we all sin. If we didn't there wouldn't have been a need for Christ to sacrifice himself.

You wrote in very plain words so that all will understand that we can't useChristisnity as an excuse to sin but to try to live the way God demands but if we falter Jesus still loves us. Excellent job. People may disagree with us but hopefully your wonderfully written article will stop and make everyone think. Bless you for showing such courage.
Amanda Brogan
12/13/10
Very well put! It's sad that people who call themselves Christians would act so directly against God's ways of compassion and love by more or less attacking gays and supporters of abortion, etc.

The very best way to reach people is not to rub their sin in their face, but to gently show them that it can be washed away. Love how you brought that across in this great devotional piece.

Amen to everything that was said! (I'm glad that man got an ear-ful. ;) )
Amy Michelle Wiley 
12/13/10
In the last several years God has placed me in situations where I've been forced to be not only civil, but become friends, with people of this lifestyle. I'm so thankful for Him putting me in a place where I have learned to use His eyes to see them. I've learned to love the people, even if I don't agree with the lifestyle. Great article.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
12/14/10
Your article is not only well stated; it shows a loving heart, as God would have us have for all, for we are all made in His image.
Connie Dixon
12/14/10
You've handled this subject very well. Sometimes "Christians" can be our very worst enemies when they profess Christ and condemn "sinners" in the same breath. Well done.
Gregory Kane
12/14/10
I certainly won't criticise your point either. Grace and love are often absent from this discussion.
From a stylistic point of view, I found it a little disconcerting the way the story shifted from a third person narrative to what was effectively a first person preach. I would also have been tempted to condense your verse, maybe using an ellipsis at points. It's a good message - it's just a case of keeping the reader with you all the way to the end. Bless you
Joanne Sher 
12/14/10
Excellent message that, yes, I agree with. Very well put.
Catrina Bradley
12/15/10
I can tell you poured your heart into this writing, because your love and passion poured into me as I read.

The first two paragraphs could be made more "grabby" with more showing rather than telling, but after that, I found myself close to tears from the wonderful message of God' unconditional love you shared.

This line is truly inspired: "He transformed the woman's life by offering her what she had been thirsting for all along…unconditional, godly love."

Thank you for writing this, and sharing it with the world.
Edmond Ng
12/15/10
A direct and bold approach to getting across the message. I agree with you on "while God does hate the 'things' which people do, He doesn't hate the people which do them." In reaching out to the people whose passion may be confused, we certainly ought to turn to the word of God (Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/17/10
Congratulations for placing 12th in your level!