Would like to write for and about the conservative Christians who feel they can't support gay marriage--even with religious exemptions--and to some who refuse to provide supportive services like wedding cakes and flowers.... From what I've observed, these people normally say the Bible says the practise of homosexuality is a sin and any homosexual acts--including gay marriage--are a sin, and THEREFORE, they don't wish to support gay marriage in any form. Period.
A little background, first of all.... The first chapter of the book of Romans in the Bible talks openly about homosexuality...and the first verse of the second chapter speaks very strongly against judging another person.... Bible scholars know the Bible wasn't originally written in English and wasn't divided into the chapters we have now.... So, it appears that the comments on homosexuality and not judging others were meant to go together!? And I believe we can judge ourselves and choose our own behaviour and standards.... This is very significant, in my opinion. And some church leaders and members also have to decide on the standards of their churches. And that's fine. But when we look at people outside of the churches, there's more to consider than our standards....
Won't go into details about AIDS and promiscuity.... And not all gays want to marry. But some gays feel love for their steady partners and they've made a sincere request to have the legal benefits of marriage.... They've felt the marriage rights would be beneficial to them....
So, now I'd like to bring up some verses about what the Bible says about the topic of mercy.... [Will add my own emphasis in bold letters.]
Proverbs 3:3 mentions "mercy and truth," and I believe the word truth in this case means justice or judgment.... And it's ideal for mercy and justice to be balanced, wherever possible.... "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3,4 [King James Version]
Another verse is Micah 6:8, "...What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" [KJV] We're actually told to "love mercy." This verse is in the Old Testament.
Finally, there's a verse which warns people that they really must show some mercy to others.... "For he shall judge without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment." James 2:13 [KJV] This verse is in the New Testament, near the end of the Bible. And even though mercy and justice should be balanced, I believe that mercy is a little more important than justice.... It's better to have too much mercy than too much justice...!
It's very plain to me that mercy is an important subject in the Bible and it should be important in our lives.... We can't afford not to show mercy to others. This is what God has led me to learn [and I'm learning more] and I pray the prejudiced Christians will consider this matter. [It's not only good for the gay people but I'm sure it's easier and better for the Christians to show mercy rather than holding on to their misguided prejudices. In my opinion, they're misguided.]
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