Gay Christian Devotion
Proverbs 16: 21-23 The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. 22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. 23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive (NLT).1 Reflection
The religious right damages the cause of Christ, their own religious reputation, and Christianity with their harsh, judgmental words about gay and bisexual people. Political and church support for their extreme positions lessens, because of their angry words. They seemed to have missed this proverb.
Pleasant words are very persuasive, and wise people seek to be informed and to understand before they talk about an issue. The religious right has not made serious attempts to be educated about gay issues or to understand the gay community.
Gay and bisexual Christians are deeply wounded by the attacks of the religious right. The queer community cannot win the struggle for the hearts and minds of Christians by lashing back with harsh words. Gentle answers, answers that show attempts are made to understand the fears of the religious right. Grace-filled answers show show the queer community is prepared to be a supportive part of the faith journey homophobic Christians take as they come to understand God’s radical grace. Through soft, gentle, caring responses, homophobes can be transformed by God's love.
How can one know this? Many gay, lesbian, and bisexual people were homophobic at one time in their lives, and God's love changed their hearts.
1Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright, 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
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