Here's my question: How can a gay Christian make himself or herself FEEL or believe that God loves them/us? Sex makes us feel good, but that's not enough.
Paul - this is such a difficult question to ponder - one I don't have an answer to yet. I think it starts by letting go of the evangelical god who we have been told hates us, who looks on us with disappointment, disgust and rage. For me it has involved letting fall away all preconceived notions about God and give yourself permission to find a new God. I wish you strength and peace on your journey.
Thanks Greg, about my question, How can a gay Christian feel or believe that God loves us just as we are? I know I'm being philosophical. Putting my faith and trusting Jesus and memorizing scripture to have faith and not fear has helped. Sorry to realize that we are stuck between unsaved gay people who don't trust traditional Christians and gay Christians who still want to stay Christian. That is a battle in its self. Often I desire to return to my childhood church where I felt all was okay with me until I became a sexual adult. I didn't know what to do with myself. I think it boils down to having faith, trusting in Jesus and not worring about anything. I suggest reading John 6:56 "He who eats my flesh and drink My blood abides (remains) in Me, and I in him". and verse 37 "...and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." I wish pastors would emphasize how and in what ways God loves us. Best to live the best we can and not chucking the whole thing. There are some pastors that are affirming. Today I passed a sign outside of a church that read: "Queer liberation is part of Salvation." You'll have never seen that 50 years ago. Strength and peace to you as well.
That's a great question for reflection, Paul. Thanks for sharing. I suppose part of my thoughts in response are, "How can ANY of us make ourself FEEL or believe that God loves us?" Meaning, such a thing is by no means unique to gay people... it is a struggle for all humans to trust that they are worthy, they are enough, they are loved by Love. And also, of course, it must be acknowledged that some people do indeed have a more difficult road ahead of them on that endeavor because they face more obstacles: a lifetime, for instance, of being told just how uniquely distorted and wrong they are (eg, LGBTQ people).
I loved your response to Greg, reflecting on those two passages from Scripture.
It takes just teh smallest amount of faith to move mountains. Lord I believe, only help my unbelief.
This is fantastic. I actually had to step outside of Christianity with Ram Dass to understand this. I am love. You are love. That is our truest self. That we were created in the image of love is the truest thing about us. My therapist says that his favorite description of a therapist is a tuning fork. As I aligned with his love for me, I have learned to love myself and others.
Here's my question: How can a gay Christian make himself or herself FEEL or believe that God loves them/us? Sex makes us feel good, but that's not enough.
Paul - this is such a difficult question to ponder - one I don't have an answer to yet. I think it starts by letting go of the evangelical god who we have been told hates us, who looks on us with disappointment, disgust and rage. For me it has involved letting fall away all preconceived notions about God and give yourself permission to find a new God. I wish you strength and peace on your journey.
Thanks Greg, about my question, How can a gay Christian feel or believe that God loves us just as we are? I know I'm being philosophical. Putting my faith and trusting Jesus and memorizing scripture to have faith and not fear has helped. Sorry to realize that we are stuck between unsaved gay people who don't trust traditional Christians and gay Christians who still want to stay Christian. That is a battle in its self. Often I desire to return to my childhood church where I felt all was okay with me until I became a sexual adult. I didn't know what to do with myself. I think it boils down to having faith, trusting in Jesus and not worring about anything. I suggest reading John 6:56 "He who eats my flesh and drink My blood abides (remains) in Me, and I in him". and verse 37 "...and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." I wish pastors would emphasize how and in what ways God loves us. Best to live the best we can and not chucking the whole thing. There are some pastors that are affirming. Today I passed a sign outside of a church that read: "Queer liberation is part of Salvation." You'll have never seen that 50 years ago. Strength and peace to you as well.
That's a great question for reflection, Paul. Thanks for sharing. I suppose part of my thoughts in response are, "How can ANY of us make ourself FEEL or believe that God loves us?" Meaning, such a thing is by no means unique to gay people... it is a struggle for all humans to trust that they are worthy, they are enough, they are loved by Love. And also, of course, it must be acknowledged that some people do indeed have a more difficult road ahead of them on that endeavor because they face more obstacles: a lifetime, for instance, of being told just how uniquely distorted and wrong they are (eg, LGBTQ people).
I loved your response to Greg, reflecting on those two passages from Scripture.
It takes just teh smallest amount of faith to move mountains. Lord I believe, only help my unbelief.
This is fantastic. I actually had to step outside of Christianity with Ram Dass to understand this. I am love. You are love. That is our truest self. That we were created in the image of love is the truest thing about us. My therapist says that his favorite description of a therapist is a tuning fork. As I aligned with his love for me, I have learned to love myself and others.