Over the last decade, the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender (LBGT) community have continuously fought for the legalization of same-sex marriages nationwide. The opponents to this issue were many including the Church. The opposition to legalizing Same-sex marriages stems primarily from mainstream belief systems (Christianity, Orthodox Jewish Movement, Roman Catholic, etc.) that explicitly believe that the constitution of marriage is between man and women and homosexual practices are an abomination before God. Obviously, any legislation that could potentially infringe upon biblical foundations and fundamental beliefs would be cause for concern. For example, if the language of the law indicates that as a result of the ruling spiritual leaders could not refuse to marry same-sex couples because of their sexual preferences. The conflict would be state attempting to supersede biblical foundations.

After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex marriages and marital benefits, many were quick to voice their opinions via social media and the pulpit. Most of the comments that I read on social media or blog sites ranged from the same-sex ruling would usher the beginning of Armageddon to condemning the LBGT community to hell in the lake of eternal fire. These comments also including misquoted Scripture references and demonstrated the ignorance of the writers. Since the Supreme Court’s rulings, virtually every worship service I have personal attended, the pastor or preacher will reiterate that the institution of marriage was designed and created by God for “Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.”

One of the biggest problems that I have seen is the alienation of the LBGT community. Spiritual leaders address sexual immorality with a constricted focus on homosexuality. I believe that this sends the wrong message. It would appear that all sexual immorality would be exclusive to those who indulge in homosexuality. Spiritual leaders need to ensure a full comprehensible teaching on sexual immorality to their congregation. It is also important that congregations are taught how to evangelize and witness effectively to all people. Evident by some of the posts on social media sites, there is a lack of knowledge and compassion. There are many willing to condemn but who is willing to evangelize with love and without judgment.

If we are God’s representatives on earth, we should model His example. Jesus ministered, healed, and evangelized to the ten lepers, Samaritan women at the well, the blind beggar, the woman with the issue of blood, and many more. The people that Jesus helped were the people that everyone else discarded, they were considered the outcast, and they all needed healing. Before anyone of us knew Christ, we needed to be healed, delivered, and set free. So why is it that we lack compassion towards others? Shouldn’t we be a reflection of God’s love, mercy, and service to his people? Is God seeking us?