I was rejected, even before I was born.
My mother was indignant, making statements that she would not give birth to a boy. She only wanted girls. Her demeanor never changed, as my younger brother by birth was additionally rejected. At the age of two and a half, I was blessed to be adopted by my Uncle Fred and Aunt Virginia. My brother was raised by our grandparents.
Satan uses a variety of techniques to gain access to our emotions and thought processes as early as possible. There’s no singular cause for same-sex attraction, other than manipulative moves made by God’s enemy.
How we deal with it depends on whether we are a follower of Jesus or a follower of the world. Unless we are buried in God’s Word, the language and theories of man can be quite enticing and convincing. Scientists, psychologists, professors, leaders, and activists all make plausible cases for being “born that way.” A Christian should be acutely aware that we are all born with the stain of sin and with an eventual challenge from God to be born again.
“Love” is a generalized term today. It’s being trashed, degenerated and counterfeited. The value, origin, and meaning of “love” seem masked, hidden, and unclear. We “love” chocolate, our car, and a new outfit. When I lived for years in disagreement and outside of God’s presence, I confused my indiscriminate unbiblical relationships with love, using the word “love” loosely.
Don’t be tricked. Take off your blinders! It’s time to wake up!
God’s definition of “love” has nothing to do with sex.
Without Jesus, you can do whatever you are inclined to. There are no guidelines. Jesus invites us to seek and agree with His divine guidance and governance.
Real “love” can be gloriously elating. In keeping with God’s love, it can also, at times, be painful and self-sacrificing. For example, the “pure love” of Jesus came with sacrifice and great pain. However, we don’t stop loving and caring about someone because it is painful. With that in mind, if we truly love someone, we will not validate their behaviors that disgrace and dishonor God no matter how painful that may seem to them.
Over the years, I have spoken to many parents who have children who have “come out” as LGBT+. Some of these parents have insisted that they will not stop loving their children, yet they turn from God’s truths, making exceptions in the name of “love.” They decide to endorse behaviors that shame God. We cannot love what God hates.
There is also the admonishment in Matthew 10:37 NIV, that cautions us; “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
Confusion takes over. Satan convinces some that they cannot love their offspring unless they approve of their sinful relationship. It doesn’t take much to bring clarity to this darkly shadowed dilemma.
Parents sometimes have sons or daughters who have fallen into adultery. They deeply love their son or daughter, as well as their in-law son or daughter. But they don’t love the behavior that has now brought discord and most often divorce from their fractured relationship.
Believers in Jesus can rely upon God’s intent and definition of love. God is love. The author and Creator of love. 1 John 4:7 says,
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.“
John 3:16 tells us that God “loved” the world so much that He gave His Son. And those that believe on Him would have eternal life.
References of “love” in the Bible often reflect the “giving up” or surrender of something.
Believers often remind one another of the greatest command of God to “love one another.”
The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is dedicated to a description of love.
What happens when we reinterpret or redefine God’s love, replacing it with our definition of “love?” And what happens when we try to pass it off to God as “true love,” when it’s a slimy counterfeit? When we lean unto our own understanding, restructuring and preaching a different gospel… there are consequences.
God’s Word is love. His law is love. How has laying it aside and disregarding it, in the name of “love”, become increasingly popular? We appear to have many of the traits and characteristics of Israel. God is so very patient. But the truth is that His patience comes to an end.
“Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another” (Romans 1:24, NIV).
“So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices” (Psalms 81:12, NIV).
As abiding Christians, we are discipled and commissioned to share God’s “love in truth.” Sometimes that love is disciplinary, yet it must be immersed in the love of Jesus. When a soul experiences God’s deep, heart changing love, they begin to allow Him to put their hearts in agreement with Him.
God has demonstrated His love through examples of discipline throughout His Word. However, the world is telling us that to disapprove of someone’s behavior, equals discrimination. Discretion and discrimination should not be confused. Even secular laws carry disciplinary actions that aim to rehabilitate the criminal and protect others. These could be considered acts of love. Even secular society has modeled its government with disciplines that mirror Biblical counsel.
Older Adventists are familiar with the church’s history of being “rules” focused. It’s taken some time to recognize the balance of God’s Word to us, resulting in a “love in truth” message. We were well versed in the “truth,” but not as quick to demonstrative God’s love. In particular, love for the one who is struggling, seeking Jesus, yet not attaining perfection.
Unless we experience the change of heart that comes when we fully surrender to Jesus, we can’t share it with someone else. I believe that’s why so many are reinventing God’s Word and turning their heads concerning sin today.
You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. “Don’t judge me.”
‘“Don’t judge me,” has to be the most often used response when it comes to Christianity and any behavior the Bible refers to as sinful. I have jokingly said, “Don’t’ judge me, is Facebook Christian’s favorite verse to partially quote.”
Most people don’t understand Jesus, grace or judgment, so they patch together their partial understandings to create their own version of the truth. It is true the Bible warns of the dangers of judging. Matthew 7:1 says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” But you can’t stop there; you must continue to read the teaching of Jesus. Matthew 7:2 says, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Jesus is instructing us to not judge impartially [sic] or hypocritically, but too many believers have interpreted this to mean don’t judge at all.’ (From “Gay Awareness” by Landon Schott)
Jonah was sent to Nineveh to announce God’s judgment. Today God calls upon us to demonstrate His patient and compassionate love, while pointing to His Word, which is judgment. Trustworthy are His ways.
The cost of sin is extreme.
Why do we resort to lies when John 8:32 tells us that the “Truth will set you free?”
Why do we want to “love” someone to death? A love that Jesus cannot approve limits one to life here, sacrificing eternity. Lucifer was the lead in defying God. He wanted to be in control. He wanted to do things his way. And he wants to enlist you and me in turning away from God. Sadly, Satan has been very successful. Heaven wouldn’t be safe if it allows a single person to enter with the same mindset as Satan.
As I lived life in the gay culture for forty years, I was well aware of God’s disapproval. I didn’t need His followers to affirm my decisions and let me love the way I interpreted love. I needed believers in Christ to show me that there is a way out. I needed to know what God was asking of me. I needed to know that He is trustworthy. I needed to know how to surrender.
My brothers and sisters in Christ you are damaging souls, possibly permanently preventing them from entering the Kingdom, by promoting a message that leaves a person where they are. Why not share a redeeming, restorative message that conveys love, compassion, and hope in Jesus for eternity? Hiding Jesus leaves a person in darkness and will rob you of eternity as well.
As children in God’s family, we are our brother and sister’s keeper. We have been enlightened and taught through God’s Holy Word, how to lead a soul to Jesus. Philippians 4:13 tells us that all things are possible through Him. And Paul goes on to encourage us with a promise that He will finish the work He began.
Why settle for an “earthly” love when we can experience God’s heavenly love? Why do we try to reinvent God’s perfection and call it good? Are we in the same danger Lucifer was in before he was cast out?
Judgment day is rapidly approaching. By failing to represent the gospel of Jesus Christ, we become the one who says, “Lord, Lord… I did all these things in your name.” And with great sadness and tears in His eyes, Jesus says, “I don’t know you.”
Are you sure you love someone by endorsing “sexual identity” instead of offering the identity Jesus gives us? Are you sure you are not loving someone to death?
“Know His Love” Ministries is committed to compassionately sharing God’s love, through inspired and restorative messages. These seminars are grounded in scripture with practical applications and education.
Contact me at 2knowhislove@gmail.com
Wayne Blakely