Struggling with sin, forgiveness, the heart of Jesus and
your walk with the Lord? The following short story may help.
Blind Sinners
By Michael M. Murray
Part 8
About the Author
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Send Your Comments
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Homosexuality Debate Resources
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Other Christian Places
Part 1,
Part 2,
Part 3,
Part 4,
Part 5,
Part 6,
Part 7, Part 8,
Final
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“We sure complicate a simple truth,” Frank said. “Right. I live, Frank, to get along. How am I going to minister to these people if I hate them? Three years ago, while at a business conference in Miami, I went to a church I knew nothing about. I found it in the Yellow Pages. It was interesting, an old movie theater converted into a church. I didn’t realize it at first, but it was attended by gay couples and their families, a lot of parents and siblings. I had an awesome time – with the worship, the prayers and the teaching. Rejected by others, these people – practicing homosexuals – formed their own church community.” “So they say it’s OK to be gay?” “Frank, I never asked them. I know now that many people debate the Bible, Old Testament verses that some say are culturally irrelevant. Some argue that Jesus never singled out homosexuality. I believe that God meant for men and women to be together. And yes, it’s a sin to go against that. “But imagine, Frank, how tough that must be, to fall in love with someone and then be told it’s not real, that it can’t be right. What a horrible situation to be in. Whether they’re born that way or grow up because of socialization, I don’t really know or care. Why do I need to know? I just feel for these people because they are real, they hurt, and have needs. They're not lepers, but people sure treat them that way.” “I don’t know if I can have the outlook you do, at least not entirely,” Frank said. “I’ve never thought about this in the same terms.” “I have to admit, Frank” Brian said, “that I’m sure churches would dismiss a pastor or a youth leader if they had a blatant sin problem with stealing or violence or drugs. At least I’d like to think so. But they’d probably help that person, too, along the way. But what about someone who covets, someone who has a huge ego, someone who views pornography? Would they be forced to step down? But like I said, even more than that hypocrisy, I’m just concerned that religious folks judge people without extending compassion. I mean, what if a homosexual pastor didn’t have relations with someone else? What if they thought their sexual preference was a sin – something they simply prayed about and struggled with? Couldn’t they preach? Couldn’t they lead?” “I don’t know,” Frank said. “It’s OK. I’m glad you listened to me, though,” Brian said. “Brian,” Frank said, “do you think I could ever help you at this AIDS home? I know it sounds ludicrous. They wouldn’t want someone like me around.”
“I don’t see why it would be a problem Frank,” Brian said. “They’re interested in your presence, not in your ignorance. “Let’s talk about it some more. Maybe you can meet one of the directors – maybe at a neutral place to see if everyone is comfortable.” Do you have the capcity to forgive with a heart of compassion? |
“Then
you’re like me, a sinner who loves Jesus for loving me even in my humanity
and despite my sinful nature.”