This week a federal district court in California struck town the ballot measure passed by the voters defining marriage as between a man and a woman. In effect, pending appeal, it legalized homosexual marriage.
But then there will be an appeal. And surrounding the appeal will be rallies, protests, editorials, commentaries, sermons, and more.
The battles have already started.
And in the midst of the battle, the most dangerous place is right in between the warring parties.
That’s where I find myself.
I voted for that ballot measure, and I would do so again. I believe marriage is designed by God and we cannot change it’s nature. I believe homosexual behavior is sin and harms those who engage in it. And I believe the activists who are so fervently trying to make everyone believe what they believe–especially school children–are harming others–especially those children. It teach this and I will continue to do so.
So what’s the problem?
I often find myself seriously embarrassed by the behavior of those who agree with what I said above.
Too often they seem to believe that their correct stance (from my perspective) gives them freedom to stretch the truth, overreact, demonize people–basically to NOT love those who disagree with them.
Already I am hearing rhetoric that scares me. It scares me because of what it does to those who are right. When we allow ourselves to see other people as our enemies we become the enemy. Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood. That means that those who *are* flesh and blood cannot be our enemies. They are people for whom Jesus died. And whatever their beliefs, whatever their behavior, our job is to love.
We are to love the judge who (in my opinion) made such a huge error.
We are to love the attorneys and lobbyists and politicians who fight for what we believe is wrong–and who often don’t particularly love us.
We are to love people around us regardless of their sexual behavior.
And yes, part of that love is telling the truth. But, as Paul says, to “truth in love”.
So, here I am on the fence in this particular battle. If you choose to take a shot at me, that’s ok. I will love (or at least try my best) you anyway.
Know Jesus, and Be Faithful.
