“Do you have a moment, I would like to talk to you.”
“Sure thing Jake.”
Jake’s eyes nervously shifted as he sat down in front of me in my office. Jake was a clinical laboratory scientist in the hospital for which I was associated at that time. Over the preceding two years, we had developed a close professional relationship. He often spoke to me about his future career development and I assumed this was what we were about to discuss.
“I don’t know if you heard but I recently came out.”
His disclosure caught me by surprise but I remained expressionless, aware that he was gauging my reaction. “I have struggled with my sexuality for most of my life. I know I am gay.”
I smiled as I reassured him. “Listen Jake. I know this is a very difficult time for you. If you need a place to chill and just have some alone time, you are always welcome in my office. This is a safe place.”
“Thanks Doc. I appreciate it.”
I have never hidden my Christian faith from my co-workers. Some Christians do have a reputation of being anti-gay so I was grateful that this work associate was willing to confide in me. I struggle with my pride and temper. Others may struggle with drug addiction and still others may struggle with their sexual identity. Sin is sin and we are all sinners. In God’s eyes, no sin is greater or less than another. If someone feels they have the right to judge another, they should first look to the example of Jesus Christ. He spent more time with the sinners and outcasts of society than anyone else. He met them exactly where they were in life and offered them compassion when everyone else rejected or ridiculed them. In today’s society, we are faced with ever changing gender roles with confusing terminology. We should seek to be like Jesus Christ, who accepted and embraced all who came to Him so that He would allow them to see the truth of the absolute goodness and mercy of God, the Father.
This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (CSB)
The beautiful Truth is God deals with our sins, not by condemnation, but by grace and mercy for all who are willing to turn away from our sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God demonstrates His patience and love to us by always providing a safe place for all who seek salvation and eternal life through the forgiveness of one’s sins.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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