Love The Sinner, Hate The Sin

I know I already posted once today, but technically it's tomorrow since it's 12:24 am and I'm pretty frustrated.

I get tired of being the polite one sometimes. I mean really tired of it. As a Christian, I try to be respectful of other's opinions on varying subjects because I know that trying to shove my beliefs down people's throats is never an effective way of getting them to hear what I have to say. And in the grand scheme of things, hearing the Truth is what is really important because their eternity is at stake, and I don't want that to be put in jeopardy because I was frustrated and lost my temper. But why, WHY, do I have to be the only one who is respectful? Why can't that go both ways? I'm not asking for them to take what I say and drop to their knees and thank me for helping them see the light. I'm only asking for the same respect I give them.

I had a discussion tonight about equal rights in regards to homosexual marriages. Obvoiusly I am against homosexual relationships. I don't think any less of any gay person. I don't steer clear of gay people because they are just people. It's what their doing that I disagree with. God is very clear in the Bible about homosexuality. It's a non-issue for me. But I will not judge someone because they have chosen to live their life that way. I've done my fair share of sins and would hope that others don't judge me because of it. Love the sinner, hate the sin. In this discussion I created the opportunity to share my beliefs on this issue, because I don't just want to sit back and keep my mouth silent when I have the opportunity to tell about God's Word. Throughout this discussion, myself and my beliefs were belittled and treated like it was all crazy talk. The other person attempted to attack me into a corner, but I respectfully shared my beliefs, answered the questions and tried to offer clarity. It didn't surprise me when the other person just gave up on the conversation, but I couldn't help but feel relieved when they did, which I now feel bad about. There's only so much ridicule and belittling one person can take before they don't want to hear it anymore, especially when I'm making a conscious effort to be respectful to this person. I know that I said everything I could to this person, but the feeling of relief when the conversation was over makes me feel bad. I guess I can only pray now that what I said will resinate in their minds and will make them think. I just can't help but be frustrated, still.

John 15:12 "This is my commandment that ye love one another, as I have loved you."

God loves us unconditionally. We sin. We mess up. We fall short. He loves us anyway. The only thing he asks from us is that we do our best to live our life to honor Him, spread His word, and ask forgiveness when we mess up. We are to love others the same way. We are to love without conditions. We are to hold other accountable for their sins, but never judge. This is for all people, not just heterosexuals, white people, American's, etc. EVERYONE. God forgives us a counless number of times. We are to do the same.Grudges hurt no one but yourself.

How is it that I do all I can to be respectful in sharing my beliefs just to be ridiculed and then I end up being the one who feels guilty in the end? Maybe it's because it's nearly 1am and I am in desperate need of sleep, but I'm just really frustrated about that.

Ok, I suppose that's all I need to say. I just needed to get it out and I'm pretty sure calling Corey right now just to vent wouldn't have made him too happy seeing as he leaves for VA Beach in a few hours.