SCOTUS Ruling

I don’t agree with the Supreme Court’s decision but….

The decision by the United States Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional for states to ban gay marriage was a historical move.  The war has been waged on the moral battlefield for years and once again, conservative Christians find themselves struggling, bewildered, and angry.

Wallenpaupack Free Methodist Church will hold to its stance that the definition of marriage is between a man and a woman.  Considering our stance is in contrast to the decision of the Supreme Court, it is important for us to remember a few things.

I am going to outline a few thoughts on how we (as Christians) should process and respond:

1.      Stop being surprised.  We live in a secular culture and for years we have ignored Jesus’ command to “Go and tell” and replaced it with, “Keep it to yourself.”  When we do this the cultural climate changes from faith focused to secular. 

2.      Speak kindly.  The Apostle Paul teaches Titus, “Slander no one, be peaceable and gentle toward everyone.”  This means in conversations with others and on social media.

3.      Get to know LGBTQ.  Ask yourself this question:  Who did Jesus spend most of his time with and why?  We never see Jesus demanding conversion or condemning, they had already received that from religious leaders.  He loved them with gentleness and kindness, which led to repentance and life change.  They are people just like you and me, and you would be surprised that they are not as obsessed with their sexuality as you are.

4.      You don’t get to judge.  Not your job, ever…ever.  Jesus told us that we will be judged with the weight in which we judge, you don’t want that.  If you do, it’s time to find a new faith.

5.      Love, love, love, love, then love again.  If you are not sure what to do, think about how Jesus handles your struggle then give that love to others.

God did not send his son to condemn the world but to save it. ~John 3:17

You have a unique opportunity to be part of the process of drawing people to God.  But if we are angry and speaking condemnation to others we will only push them away.