A Plea to All Christians

[*PhilHos*]

In the words of Elsa of Arendelle, let it go. We "lost" the fight against gay marriage. I wish I can say I didn't see it coming, but the fact remains that gay marriage is pretty much going to happen nationwide. Yes, there can and will be some resistance (like what we see in Texas), but honestly, why are we resisting? Why are we fighting so hard and damaging our reputation as a religion of love to keep in place a ban that affects, what, 2% of the population?

Make no mistake, I am against gay marriage as well, but the only argument I can find is strictly religious. Take away the religion and I honestly don't see an rational reason why a ban still needs to be in place.

With that said, my point is not to discuss the merits of the gay marriage discussion. My point is that we need to go back to demonstrating God's love and, make no mistake, we have failed. While I won't go so far and agree with that anti-religious or pro-gay marriage zealots who claim our speech is hate speech, it still comes perilously close. I get it, this used to be a Christian nation (whether atheists and others want to admit it or not) and we want it to stay that way, but it hasn't been a Christian nation for some time. A nation that has become okay with pre-marital sex, adolescent sex, recreational drug usage, cursing, divorce, and a whole host of other issues is not a Christian nation. Adding gay marriage to the list is not what makes us no longer a Christian nation.

And it's our fault. From church leaders on down to the attendee who only goes to church twice a year. We're all to blame. As a whole, we've become so critical of other's failings that we've become judgmental. To make matters worse, we don't even live by example. We're quick to point out what's wrong with others all the while hiding or rationalizing our own faults. Is it any wonder people routinely call Christians hypocrites?

Let's get back to loving our fellow man. Jesus exhorted us to "love our enemies". And while we shouldn't view people like those in favor of gay marriage as our enemies, nevertheless, we should love them. We should treat them they way we treat any we truly love. If you love your parents or your spouse or your children or your best friend, then love your "enemies" the exact same way. There's nothing wrong with standing up for your beliefs, but there is a way to go about it that doesn't conflict with loving your "enemies".

Remember, one of the commandments given to us by Jesus was to evangelize (the Great Commission). We cannot do that effectively if we're pushing away the very people who need Jesus.

So, enough is enough. Yes, we're against gay marriage. Everyone knows that. We will do our religion and more importantly, God, a disservice by furthering the fight. Instead of fighting homosexuals in their attempts at marriage, let's love them instead. Love them with the love of God. You might be surprised at the results if we ALL follow suit.

God bless.