We are not responsible to change people’s behavior.
It’s not our job, even with our children, especially as they get older. If you think you’re going to make your pianist into a football player, give it up now. Unfortunately, much of the church today is about behavior modification. But please remember, the reality of the church and the truth about Jesus are not always the same thing – especially regarding the LGBTQ issue.
Jesus is not about behavior modification; He is about life, His life flowing through us. That is what grace (kharis) means — to let Jesus’ love flow through us instead of feeling obligated to fix everything.
Your job is to love people, especially your child. Let God use this situation to show you what it means to love unconditionally. While we love others, God is at work in ways we can’t see.
If you are a Christian parent of a gay child, this road is likely not one you would have chosen, nor initially welcomed. But if you seek Him, God will show you the beauty of the journey. Perhaps God has chosen you for such a time as this, to shine His love amidst all the anger and hate (even if your beliefs about it never change). Perhaps He will work through you to restore His name that has been so maligned to a group of people who need Him — as we all do.
God is good at giving us quandaries we didn’t expect, to rock our little tiny worldviews. He shakes everything that can be shaken until all that’s left is what is unshakeable. Cling to Him in this time, and He will bring about something wonderful — for you and your family.
Please feel free to comment below on your experience of your child coming out, or email me directly through the contact page. God bless you on this journey.
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