Are you a Christian?

If you call yourself a Christian, act like a Christian.

The question was asked: How do I feel about gay marriage?
Once upon a time, I would’ve said, “No, I’m not for gay marriage, but I’m not for discriminating against any people either.” My views have changed as I study scripture and meditate on the words of Jesus.

I believe, everyone has the right to love and be loved. It’s not my place to judge, however, it is my place to love everyone equally. I cannot find it in me to dislike somebody because they tell me they’re gay anymore then I can dislike somebody because they tell me they don’t like chocolate.

Is homosexuality a sin? Is hate is a sin? Is lying, backstabbing, murder…? It’s the act as, but the heart behind the act.

The point is, Jesus tells us to love one another as he loved us and by this, (loving one another), all mankind will know who His disciples are. (John 13:34-35) Well, Jesus loves everybody indiscriminately, even Judas and those who were killing Him, even as they were killing Him. Therefore, who am I to judge? Who are you to judge?

Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth are all sins and there are many more that have been accepted by our society as normal behavior. This is not how God wants us to live. Why not? Well, it’s not the actions or the lifestyle though, that is an indication that something may be wrong. It has more to do with your heart.

It always comes back to the heart. Every action, every word, every thought… If it’s not in you to start with, it cannot possibly come out of you. An empty glass turned over spills nothing.

If one has hatred in ones heart, every action, every word and every thought will be rooted in this hatred. Likewise, one who’s heart is filled with love will live a life that radiates love. This is how a true Christian is meant to live. Your thoughts, your words and your actions will all be rooted in love. Nothing that is truly rooted in love can be a sin. Everything rooted in hate is a sin. This is worth repeating. Nothing that is TRULY rooted in love can be a sin. EVERYTHING rooted in hate is a sin.

May your heart be filled with love, joy, peace and grace. Amen.

By: Rev. Jimmy G. Despinis

May 2020 (EDITED) 2022