Homosexual sex and bullying

A few days ago someone posted a video of bullying, with a twist. This time it was against straight people, versus those who participate in homosexual sex.  This person had a commentary attached to the video, and regarding homosexual sex, declared that everyone should respect the beliefs of those who participate in homosexual sex. 

I have gotten right with God, the one true God. He has proven Himself thru His Word, science, history, math, archeology, and more. Since I know God to be true and real, His Word is also true.  This knowledge is completely freeing. I don't have to wonder about life or its purpose. I don't have to guess if something is right or wrong either.  It's amazing!  

Now onto the topic at hand. For me to respect someone's belief that participation in sin of any type is ok is to agree that it is indeed ok for them to participate. Since the post was about homosexual sex, let's just use it.  For me to respect a person's participation in homosexual sex is to acknowledge that it is ok to do so.  God has made it perfectly clear that homosexual sex is WRONG, therefore, participation in or being ok with said participation is also wrong.  Period.  Dot.  End of story.  I CANNOT have a different opinion from God. It doesn't work that way. 

Now, do I hate anyone who participates?   Absolutely not!!!  Will in respect their belief that it's ok?   No!!!  Why?  Because to do so tells them that it's ok in my eyes that they are participating.  What I will tell them is that I respect their right to be wrong. Their eternity is more important than their liking me in earth.  

Back to bullying...it would definitely NOT be ok for me or anyone else to harass those involved in homosexual sex. After I tell them that they are participating in an activity that will send them to hell, I should be done.  I don't need to continuously tell them or make them feel badly.  Homosexual sex is wrong, and I can respect their right to be wrong. 

I hope this clarifies how a true Christian should view this subject.  

How to help those who know you best when it comes to God's stuff (Luke 4:16-31)

Becoming a Christian is a huge decision to make.  Shoot, it took me how many years to make it??  ha ha.  Once you make this decision, it's important to realize that there are certain things that will start to change, namely YOU!  :)  Those who know you best will still remember the "old" you and resist.  Here's some interesting thoughts on the matter.

First and foremost, you need to know that some of those who are closest to you will resist this growing up in Christ.  When you read Luke 4:16-31 you quickly realize that even Christ had this problem in His hometown of Nazareth (See Matt 13:54-57).  They wanted to know why He could teach with such authority when He was "just a carpenter's son."  The people closest to you will potentially resent that you don't party with them or talk/behave in the same way (See 1 Pet 4:3-4).

You can try to change their perception of you by explaining "that was then," or explaining that you messed up in the past...own it (Prov 28:13).  Once you do that, explain to them that "this is now" and you are changing who you are.  Tell them that you are a Christian and want to be the salt of the earth and you want to shine the Light of the world (Matt 5:13-16).  To do this we have to be willing to speak God's truth regardless.  It becomes so easy to cop out with those who share our DNA and walked in our social circles.  Just remember that it is very selfish to not care about their eternity.  BUT!!!  We must do this out of love and concern for the other person.  AND!!  We must live out the truth as well. 

In life (and in poker) we must learn when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.  Jesus had to make this decision, too, while in His hometown.  If you read Matt 4:12-13, you'll read that He left Nazareth and settled down in Capernaum.  So, if what you're holding, God's Truth, isn't going to get the job done, fold 'em.  We must not waste God's precious truth on those who will disrespect or attack it (Matt 7:6)  Kindly and lovingly tell them that you will not allow them to disrespect your Dad.  If they don't stop, you may have to sever the relationship, leaving a door open with them to come back and hear the truth.  Remember Matt 10:34-39...it happens. 

I want to thank my church, The Cool Church, for this teaching.  It is painful when your own family reacts badly to your becoming a Christian.  I know for me, I had to distance myself for a while until I was a more mature Christian...not because they attacked God so much as it was for me, because I couldn't yet resist the DNA and/or social circle temptations. I've learned how to handle it better; definitely not perfect at it yet, either.  :)