#lovewins

Disagreement does not equal hate. America has made a muddy mess of the two. But they are two different words.

Some people might disagree and hate. But that does not make the words synonymous. 

Disagree: verb

1. to fail to agree; differ

2. to differ in opinion; dissent:

Hate: verb

1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest

2. to be unwilling; dislike

I'm deeply saddened by the Supreme Court ruling this week. I disagree that it was the right choice. But it seems to me that one major thing that is misunderstood (or maybe just pushed by an agenda) is that disagreement equals hate. I disagree with the LGBT community but I do not hate them. Quite the opposite actually. I'm burdened with love for them.

Confused? Let me give an example.

I love my children. Let's say my children wanted to play with matches. Um, no that's not going to happen! Now, they might think I'm a mean mom.... Playing with matches would make them happy! Who am I to stand in the way of their happiness? But I love them too much to let them do something that will hurt them.

If I hated my children, I wouldn't care. I would let them play with matches. No sweat off my back right? "Live and let live." But I love them too much to turn my head and "let live". I would have to really hate them to let them continue in something that will cause them pain and/or death.

That's not a perfect analogy, because I'm obviously not parenting a community of people. But I'm trying to make the point that from my perspective, this is wrong and harmful. I have too much love for this world to be ok with this ruling.

No, I'm not afraid of the LGBT community and I'm not homophobic. I mean, for Pete's sake. I live in this world, not in a bubble. I have good friends who disagree with me and my views. We're friends. Our kids are friends. So let's dismiss the fear argument. 

And, I have children with special needs so trust me when I say, I understand the desire for inclusion and acceptance. Trust me. I get that. But this issue isn't a matter of disability or skin color.

God's Word is loud and clear. Homosexually is sin. Now, it's not a "worse" sin than lying or stealing or cheating. Sin is sin. And it's wrong. And it has consequences.

Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life. We must repent and accept the free gift of God: His payment for our sin. 

Yesterday our country legalized sexual sin. (I'm still not sure how they had the right to redefine marriage when they aren't the ones to define it in the first place.) And I'm deeply concerned about the ramifications of that. 

To my friends who are rejoicing over yesterday's verdict: I love you. This doesn't change my love for you. We're still friends. At least I hope we are! :) I understand why you're excited, I really do. I just want you to know why I don't share your response to this news. And it has nothing to do with hate, which is what the world is trying to shout. It has everything to do with love.

From my perspective, the LGBT lifestyle is a sin that leads to death and destruction, and I love you too much be ok with that outcome for you.

To be honest, I think there are "Christians" out there who disagree and have hate in their hearts. I think there are Christians who are afraid. I also think there are Christians who believe Gods Word but condone this sin because of their fear. Please don't project the opinions of some on all. 

I follow Jesus. And I think His message was a pretty clear and simple one: love the sinner. But hate the sin in their life because it causes them destruction. Love them in their sin, love them too much to leave them in it.

I don't expect people who don't believe in the Bible or Jesus to abide by Scripture or Jesus' teachings the way I do. But when our country as a whole accepts these sins and legalizes them.... God have mercy on us all.

I think this is a given, but so that you hear my heart clearly: I'm not perfect. I don't pretend to be perfect or have it all together. I'm certainly not the one to save people from their sins. Thankfully Jesus came for those of us who don't have it all together.  Yes, I sin. But He forgives my sin and changes me continually. He gives me a deep peace and joy that I haven't yet found in my friends who don't know Him. I pray that they too would accept His forgiveness, freedom, peace and joy.

And I pray that our country would repent of this decision and turn back to acknowledging Christ as Lord the way that our forefathers did.

The trending hashtag is #lovewins. Which is ironic to me because people posting it have no idea how true it is. God is love. The creator of this world has been the definition of love since before He created it. He loves this world and He came as a man to die for it. He rose again and will one day return for it. So yes. #lovewins

To the Christian: I know your heart aches as mine does. But may this verdict lead us to Gods Word. Seek out truth like never before. Let your concern drive you to prayer... deep fervent prayer for our nation. Humbly love love love your neighbors and boldly stand firm in your convictions. Pray for those in bondage to sin. In these last days it's only going to get harder. But we know Who wins. And while we still have some religious liberties left, may the words of our mouths never be considered hate speech, but love speech. You can disagree and love. ️

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These are my thoughts and opinions. They are based on the eternal Word of God as I understand it and on my personal relationship with Jesus. You don't have to agree. Comments are welcome but please remember that it's extremely rare to change anyone's (mine or others') opinions based on blog or FB comments. So let's keep agreeing and disagreeing comments here kind and encouraging. Anything else will be deleted. Thank you for understanding. 

*Image from Pinterest .com