Frustrated

I'm frustrated right now. I have just engaged myself in two conversations about gay rights. The first was with a freshman who said(and I quote) " I don't think we should go around killing gay people, but ...(long pause)" We discussed the viewpoint that AIDS could be good cure for homosexuality. It is always so sad to hear someone who really believes this. I think that the kid ( a very nice kid with a heart for the Lord) didn't really accept the teaching, but was not far from believing it.

The next conversation was with a few friends and a few people at the table I didn't know. Their premise was that homosexuality was a "special" sin. My point was that if we commit one sin we are guilty of all of them and that even if there are different levels of sin Jesus took the punishment for all of them for all people. They were thouroughly unimpressed. I realize that there is a lot of bigotry, hatred, and xenophobia that has to be waded through before people can be convinced that really this one sin is no worse than any other, that our sin is just as bad in God's eyes, that all sin is ultimately a "lifestyle" sin, and that our fear of their sin doesn't help them hear about the Savior.

So, here I am. I'm very frustrated by both of these conversations. But, I'm glad that they happened. I think in the first conversation that the boy will go and really start thinking about what I said. I think that he even might realize the call to reach out in love to gay people. In the second conversation I spoke my mind and acted civilly while they behaved poorly. I think I did what Christ asked of me and that they hid behind a mask of fear. I pray for more conversations that frustrate me and serve to enlighten others.