Before we found the courage to come out, in knowingly Christian surroundings, we spent countless hours researching these Scriptures, praying and asking God for guidance and understanding. It saddens me how many straight Christians don’t even consider doing a proper study into the passages that rebuke homosexuality. What do you honestly feel is achieved by telling a gay Christian that homosexuality is sin? Do us all a favour and study those passages properly before using them as weapons, in the so called name of trying to save a fellow brother or sister.

Most of us have tried to be straight. Most of us know, our same gender attraction will not go away, no matter how much we pray, try, date the opposite sex, or focus on other things.

We know what the Bible says. We have battled through the passages. We have called out to our loving, welcoming, grace giving Father. We are loved and accepted in Him, and we are free.

Remember not to judge. Love does not judge, and it does not condemn, and it does not reject or cast out. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, who died to save ALL of us.

This message is not about whether it is wrong or right to live in a loving, committed, long term, monogamous, Christian same-sex relationship, but rather how the Church (Christian people) should treat homosexual people. Thank you to Pastor Rob Buckingham for sharing this message.

Please listen to this message, and pass it along to people you think may be encouraged or challenged.

Misty has done what I believe ALL straight people should do.. and that is to step aside from our “built-in” beliefs and assumptions of what it means to be gay, and truly look at what it really means. She is one of what appears to be very few straight Christians out there, who has come to a real understanding of what it really means to be gay. In doing this, Misty does not judge, but has great compassion for the LGBT community. She has not compromised her faith in God, but rather (in my opinion) done exactly what Jesus would do in her love for God and all of His people in this world.

Listen to Misty Irons on the latest edition of GCN Radio.

Here’s the thing… I believe that parents should raise their kids to respect all people, have open non-judgmental discussions with their kids about different people in the world, and teach them to find their own standing in God. That way, there should be no discrimination, and no fear of the mere presence of a gay or lesbian person having any impact on another. That said, if the child is in fact also gay, then they will probably feel some sort of understanding with the gay and lesbian people they meet. It would not be the gay person’s bad influence – it would be who they are.

The point is this… God so loved the world (the whole world)… that He sent His only Son to die… that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). There are no exclusions in that. And… even though there will always be many people in this world who do not believe in Him… that does not give any Christian the right to judge or discriminate against any other human being. We are all created by Him and in His image. We have no right to disrespect God’s creation, regardless of where they stand before Him. That is for God, and God only, to decide one day.

Another very important thing to note, is that I do not know a single gay person who would force, convince, or even desire anyone else to be gay… it’s not an easy life… just as mentioned in Myth 1… it’s not chosen… and why would it be?!

But, let’s face it, in some way or another, we are all judges! It seems to be built in to our humanity. Somewhere along the line, our need to compare ourselves to others causes a judgement, and results in a divide. This judgement is almost subconcious. We don’t realise how often we do in fact judge others. I think it’s possibly less obvious in circumstances whereby the general population might agree with your view.

I have been reflecting about this a bit, because of the emotion I feel when others judge me. I immediately kick into “well, I may be ABC, but you XYZ!” kind of mode. Another common “Christian” response is quote passages such as, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7), and Matt 7:1-5 or Luke 6:37-42. It’s not so much retaliation as much as my silent mechanism for not feeling condemned by what is said to me. It’s a protection mechanism. I’m not actually confrontational, so I hardly ever actually verbalise such a response!

Then there are other situations.. where I have realised I have made judgments on others without realising it. They are not necessarily major things.. but I have started to notice. I feel this is an important lesson, and its encouraging to know that I am growing and learning every day. God truly is my rock! He sticks with me, even when I ignore Him! And He continues to teach me.. in the simplest ways.. how to be more like Him!

I for one… am no theologian. I will never learn the original Hebrew and Greek languages and culture of the time, and go try interpret these scriptures for myself. But I do read what others have researched and concluded. I can see the case for both sides. I say this because I continue to read both points of view. I believe everyone (gay AND straight) should with an open heart before God, research and study these scriptures and the commentary on them.

From there, I think there comes a time when one must stop re-reading the debate over and over (as I still find myself doing), because it is actually all the same. It’s not going to change. If you have read both sides, and are truly open to finding what God wants to say to you, then do that. Read, research, pray, and then leave it alone, and find peace with what you believe God has revealed to you by His Holy Spirit.

Once you have personally found peace for yourself.. understand that you have found your revelation (whatever that may be), and that quite possibly others find theirs, which may be different to yours. Whether you are gay or straight, or believe same-sex relationships are right or wrong, it is not for you to judge another. Only God is the judge.

On this note, and to ensure no misunderstanding, see this post by Kori Ashton. I am not saying take what you read and form a belief system that fits you. I am saying read both sides with your heart open to the one true God, to hear His voice, reveal to you His truth (not necessarily the truth that suits you best).

I personally don’t see any end to this debate. I think it will continue to be the most controversial topic in modern Christianity. I just hope and pray that people learn not to judge others, and that this “debate” never becomes a war. Too many people have already suffered, whether physically or emotionally, and it is the saddest thing.

I can guarantee you, that many many Christians who discover and begin to accept that they are gay, fight with this issue intensely. It takes a huge toll on us. We are Christians, and we are human beings. We want to serve God and please Him. We want to live our lives for eternity with Him. We love Him and worship Him. But we are also gay. We did not choose it. We know God loves us. We will live our earthly lives to the best of our ability. Don’t judge us or think we have not grappled with the Bible on this one.

Firstly, how can you stand there and assume and cast judgement on anyone’s parents or upbringing?! Sadly, many gay people have suffered from some of the listed grievances. But, many have not (just ask Shannon K). Let’s not forget that plenty of people (probably more) in the world have suffered those very same grievances, and still remained perfectly straight!

As the for the Christians who might believe that if a person is gay that their parents did not train them in the way they should go.. well trust me.. I was taught very much the way I should go. That couldn’t make me straight, though I have constantly tried! And, I do have a very real relationship with God, and high moral and social standards. Many Christian families raise their children to the best of their ability in the ways of the Lord, and yet many Christian families have gay children. Of course, often not all the children are gay.. siblings raised in the same home and ways of the Lord may be straight, or they may be gay. It’s not up to the parents.

I am not saying that parenting, upbringing, and childhood circumstances and experiences do not have an impact on our lives, but it’s not what makes a person gay or straight. So, parents, stop blaming yourselves! And critics, stop judging us!