Love Is An Orientation pt. 1

I just began reading a new book yesterday by Andrew Marin called: "Love Is An Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community". My heart is burdened for those who find themselves on the "outside" of God's holy community...and in this culture there may be no other greater "outsider" than those in the gay and lesbian community.

I've come to realize that most of this conversation (actually "argument" may be a more fitting term) is based out of fear. Evangelicals are afraid of "condoning sin" and those in the gay and lesbian community are afraid of getting "hurt". Out of this fear we've heard people speak about what "the Bible plainly says..." and in turn dismiss the very real pain, loneliness, rejection, and hurt that those in the gay and lesbian community feel. We've then heard those respond in defensive posture, afraid that they will continue to be viewed as citizens with a "less than" status.

If we are to have any kind of life-giving conversation that leads towards redemption and transformation for all of us, then we must be willing to set aside our fear, acknowledging that we are not God and that God does not need us to "fight" on God's behalf. Even more, we must be compelled by love. A love that is slow to speak, quick to listen. A love that is patient and gentle. A love that is kind and gracious. A love that refuses to "fight against" but instead chooses to "walk with". This kind of love is the genesis for hopeful dialogue and relationship with those who are different than us, but are children of God all the same.