I spoke at San Antonio PFLAG Thursday, the day City Council voted to include LGBTQ in their non-discrimination ordinance. I have to tell you – what an evening. Happiness, of course, no longer to be rejected for orientation, but confusion even to have to fight for this. Why should equal access to jobs and housing not be a given?
Worse was to learn of the hateful attack of the opposition. Christians (of course, being the main ones stuck on this) brought out the usual attack of LGBTQ, and a council member called gays “disgusting.” Seriously. The PFLAG members wrestled through this animosity from people who don’t even know them for something they didn’t even want or choose. As I listen, I wonder how to tell them about the love of Christ.
That’s what I’m here for, to tell them how much Jesus loves them, that He welcomes ALL who are tired of carrying their own burdens, that He doesn’t reject anyone.
I know these attacks will not help Jesus’ message of love. Even the words I might use – like Jesus or bible – trigger bad associations from years of spiritual abuse from parents/grandparents/pastors/priests. Christians have no excuse to resist renting an apartment to a gay couple, even if they think it’s wrong. (They rent to cohabiting, obese and other people they disagree with.) But to turn Christ’s generous gift into a limited offer is unconscionable.
I’m looking at how to wade through this much just to begin. I just want to say, “This does not represent Jesus! He never said any of that!”
Tragically, this astounding news of the gospel has become subject to peer review.
If I did not have a profoundly intimate loving relationship with Jesus, if I had not experienced him saving me from hell on earth, I would want no part of this. Based on what I see, I would say, “Count me out.” The deepening chasm between Christ and those who need Him is what’s abominable.
Fortunately, Jesus is bigger than all those who speak these things “in His name.” Thank God.
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