Some Thoughts on Tolerance….

I guess part of the problem with communication of my blog here lately has been one of misunderstanding of my motives. I guess those who don't know me and my background may have thought my post was a total hate-rant against people who are struggling with a particular issue. This is not the case. As I stated, and have stated many times, I truly believe in the doctrine of loving all of God's children, regardless of the mistakes they make or the opinions they hold. I seriously believe (and I think a lot of people simply cannot grasp this concept) that it's possible to love (read: 'tolerate') someone and not approve of or accept (or tolerate) their behavior or beliefs. Behavior is entirely independent of worth. Nothing can change our innate divine identity and worth, nor God's love for us, though He definitely can disapprove of some of the choices we make, and hopes that we do what it takes to fix it. "Love the sinner and hate the sin" is a very true principle, luckily, or who would love me? This principle is not only true, but necessary to adopt. We are all sinners, and to imagine that our love and respect must be reserved for perfect people only limits our circle of friends significantly.

While I completely disapprove of the homosexual lifestyle and behavior, I have many friends and acquaintances who are currently living it. We don't agree on many things. That doesn't mean I don't love them. And that doesn't mean they're not children of God. And that doesn't mean I'll sit by and say nothing about how I feel on the subject. And that doesn't mean it won't be passionate.

There you go. Believe it or don't.