As I Have Loved You..

This week's topic is a bit heavy and sensitive. Before I share my thoughts I would like my readers to understand that my goal is to approach this topic with love. If you disagree with me, that is entirely okay. I would just ask that everyone keep an open heart and open mind.

In the past decade, sexual orientation has increasingly been a topic for debate and discussion in the media, in the news, in the church, in the world. As Elder Dallin H Oaks has stated: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' stance has not changed, and will not change on homosexuality. However, what does need to change, is member's and humankind alike's attitudes and actions towards those that experience same-sex attraction.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

(MATTHEW 22:37–39) It is easy to love someone when you understand them, when you agree with them, when you share values and beliefs with a person. The thing about loving a person, is you don't have to understand them. You do not have to agree with them or share things with them. You just love them. “In so many relationships and circumstances in life, we must live with differences. Where vital, our side of these differences should not be denied or abandoned, but as followers of Christ we should live peacefully with others who do not share our values or accept the teachings upon which they are based. The Father’s plan of salvation, which we know by prophetic revelation, places us in a mortal circumstance where we are to keep His commandments. That includes loving our neighbors of different cultures and beliefs as He has loved us. As a Book of Mormon prophet taught, we must press forward, having ‘a love of God and of all men’ (2 Nephi 31:20)” (“Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Oct. 2014 general conference).

Feelings of same-sex attraction are not a sin. Elder M. Russell Ballard stated:

“Let us be clear: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that ‘the experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including [those with same-sex attraction]’” (“The Lord Needs You Now!” Ensign, Sept. 2015, 29).

While experiencing same-sex attraction itself is not a sin, it can be a challenge and a trial. Someone with an addictive personality may struggle with the temptation to drink or to view pornography. It is no different for them, as they cannot help what their temptation may be. With the gift of 100% agency, comes 100% agency. While none of God's children are exempt or immune from being held accountable to follow his commandments (might I remind you again, of the commandment to love one another), the same can be said for the atonement. No child of God's is exempt from his unconditional love or being able to partake of the power of the atonement or benefit from the power of the priesthood.

The perfection and validity of God's plan for us remains constant. Even despite the fact that we may not ever (in this lifetime) fully understand it. "Sometimes our doubts, fears, and frustrations may seem overwhelming. Life can pose difficult questions and present serious obstacles. To have faith is not to have all the answers, but choosing faith over doubt is a choice to trust God. We choose to trust His plan and His timetable, even if some parts of our mortal experience make no sense to us at the present time. As we put our faith and trust in God and have the patience to build our faith day by day, eventually we will see things clearly."

As men and women of the natural world, we are too quick to judge those that sin differently than us. And far too often, we feel it is our right to decide the severity of someones's circumstances and sins, and therefore determine their worthiness. May I encourage you (and myself) to reflect inwardly before jumping to conclusion and harsh judgment of our brothers and sisters. For they have much to judge about you as well.