Today’s scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Genese Parker):
There are times in life, when I AM SURE that I AM SURE that I know something FOR SURE. It is rare to have that kind of confidence in anything; but when it comes, the power that the feeling brings is incredible! As a former campus minister, I have spent much of my life thinking about the love of Christ and the freedom that it brings to those who believe. So when I came out to myself, and later to my friends and family, the one thing that I wanted to make sure that everyone understood was how important my faith is to me.
I was very much aware of the fact that there was, and still is, a significant segment of the Christian community that believes that it is not possible to be gay and Christian at the same time. But as far as I was concerned, that is exactly what I was: a gay Christian.
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…”
You see, I had decided that no matter what happened, no matter what anyone told me, I knew that Jesus loved me and that nothing would change that. It is from this perspective that I sought out a faith community that could support me as I learned more about my identity and how it was intertwined with my faith.
When I found LifeJourney Church, I found a place where I was accepted, encouraged, and supported. It was a safe place to ask questions and get real answers. I could have easily decided to leave “The Church” all together, when I finally acknowledged and accepted my identity as a gay Christian. The Lord knows, there are plenty of people ready to open their mouths and tell me just how disappointed and angry that they believed God was with me. Many people leave the Christian church every day because they do not feel welcome to be themselves and to serve God at the same time. Many people feel that they still need and want God in their lives, but too often the people around them bring messages of disapproval, judgment, and hate. Who could stand in the face of such contempt?
But thankfully, I received assurance and conviction from the Holy Spirit early on. I decided that stepping away from faith was not an option that I was willing to entertain. So I immediately began searching for a faith community that would support me.
The words of Hebrews 10:19-25 remind me of the conviction that I felt on that beautiful day when I fully accepted myself for who I am. I was determined to “hold unswervingly to the hope” that I had professed, because I truly believed that Christ was, and is, faithful.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not sharing all of this to say, “Hey, look how strong my faith is.” No, actually I am saying just the opposite. It is because of the grace of God that I had the presence of mind to seek out a faith community which would support me and help me to continue to grow in Christ. And this is what Hebrews 10 is telling us to do: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . .”
Are there ways that you are struggling in life right now? It can be tempting to pull away from the church and to isolate ourselves when we are feeling vulnerable and unsure. But I want to encourage you to do just the opposite. Reach out for support and encouragement from God’s people. If the faith community that you are in is not supportive and encouraging, find one that is. Ultimately, nurturing our relationship with God is the most important task that we have before us in this life.
Thought for the day: Don’t let anyone tell you that God is not deeply and profoundly in love with you. God loves you more than you will ever be able to wrap your brain around!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.