In class yesterday the topic of homosexuality came up. We established that while homosexuality--in the sense of being attracted to a member of the same sex--is not a sin, lusting in that nature and acting upon that attraction in sexual manners is sinful. As always, I try to understand why something is a sin, and I think this kind of lifestyle is considered sinful because it is a rebellion against God's originally established Way. Anyways, so how do we treat these people? It's simple: no different than someone who struggles with alcoholism or drug addiction or pornography. To struggle with homosexuality is no more or less evil than struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, or pornography. Living a complacent lifestyle of homosexuality is just as bad as living a lifestyle of alcoholism, drug addiction, or pornography. As Christians--the students of Christ who are pursuing Christ and learning to be like Christ--, we are to gently and humbly help those who struggle with homosexuality, to tenderly and gracefully love them with Christ's love. God does not show any favoritism or partiality between struggling alcoholics and struggling homosexuals, so why, I ask, should we? So what about those who claim homosexuality as a lifestyle? We treat them just as we would treat someone who stubbornly lives a lifestyle of alcoholism: with grace, mercy, and love. Ultimately, we treat everyone as we would treat ourselves, with humble love and care. The truth is, we are no better, even if mainstream society says we are.

I've been reading J.B. Phillips' Your God Is Too Small. Debbie recommended the book to me. I started reading it once, but could not get into it. I picked it up half a year later and can't seem to keep my eyes from the pages. As I was reading it on the toilet yesterday, Phillips' words really stuck out at me:

God will inevitably appear to disappoint the man who is attempting to use Him as a convenience, a prop, or a comfort, for his own plans. God has never been known to disappoint the man who is sincerely wanting to co-operate with His own purposes.