- Part One -
All of this controversy started over a man stating his beliefs - which we are all entitled to. He was and is stating his belief in "traditional" marriage and family values. We all must stand for something. But, I am saddened at some of the ways I've seen "Christians" acting through all of this.
As Christians, we are to "love one another" and "pray for our enemies", which I would suspect the Cathy's do. He started his business on "biblical principles" and is standing by that. He has not stated he "hates" anyone - only stated what he stands on. He will serve any and everyone that enters one of his establishments and I believe he would never "discriminate" against anyone.
When he took his stance on family values and "traditional marriage", others that disagreed with him, began the "boycott" talk, which in turn brought about the "appreciation day". Everyone has a choice - Boycott or Appreciate - that is clearly anyone's choice. Which ever way one chooses is their right. And, that seems to be this entire argument - RIGHTS. And, we do ALL have them.
In James 4:17, the Bible states, "therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin." (KJV) This, my friend, means ANY right thing we know to do and do not do it, it is a sin! From keeping mis-given change to unforgiveness, and anything in between. A simple "white lie" is a sin.
God NEVER said He hates the sinner - He hates the sin! .......... "God is love" (1 John)
Proverbs 6:16-19 ..... 16 "These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (KJV)
**The Holman Christian Standard Bible reads - 16 "The Lord hates six things, in fact, seven are detestable to Him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers."
I, personally, do not know anyone that is perfect. I've known and know people that fall into some of these very catagories, from the above passage of scripture (and I've told a lie or two and thought wicked thoughts, in my past). I have learned to love them all - God has taught me that - it's called spiritual growth. He loves them, also - He just hates what they do. I can't point a finger at anyone, without 3 being pointed back at me. This being said, we are commanded to love one another - we, as Christians, can stand for our values, but we don't have to "judge" - until we've walked someone's journey with them, we don't really know why they think or act the way they do.
I stood with Chic-Fil-A today, agreeing on "traditional" marriage and family values - I was not standing for "hate" against anyone. I found it very exciting to see the out-pouring of support that was given to a great eatery and it's founder, today. I believe everyone has "rights" - it is the way in which some handle (or mis-handle) that right, that disturbs me. When Christians become "obnoxious", "proud", "wicked", etc., that is what I do not want to be a part of. Beware of the person that says, "I'm religious" - it's not about a religion - it's about a "relationship" - with the Lord!
Let's all be the Christians God intends for us to be - stand on what we believe, hate the sin, but love the sinner. Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us". We are all sinners, saved by His Grace! We don't have to "Bible Thump" people and that will never work, in leading them to the Lord - we must "love" them, to the Lord.
You've heard it said, "Stand for something or you will fall for anything" - so true! So, as we stand for what we believe to be right and true, let's not forget at sometime, somewhere, someone "loved" us to the Lord. And we should do the same for someone else.
Stand For the Lord - Love For the Lord! - You will make a difference!
Written as my thoughts & opinion.
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