Friday, November 25, 2011

The joy of human love extends to all--even gays and lesbians



The Thanksgiving editorial in yesterday’s Deseret News spoke of the joy of human love. As I read the article, I couldn’t help but think with conviction that this joy extends to all—even to God’s children who may love those of their own gender.

My heart breaks for gay and lesbians who have been rejected by parents and siblings and as a result are unwelcome at family Thanksgiving tables. This tragedy is particularly prolific on the Wasatch Front where so many claim to be Christian, but through their behavior if not their words reject the central message of Christ’s message to love their neighbors as themselves. (And yes, their children are their neighbors.)

I can’t help but remember with hope the words of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk."

I have faith and believe that one day soon, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members will grasp the significance of these words and understand that love will ultimately triumph. In the end, families will understand that real love creates the tolerance, civility and respect that will reunite families and build Zion for all of Heavenly Father’s children, not just his heterosexual sons and daughters.

2 comments:

  1. Clive, do you read Beck's blog. He's been writing about Maurice, recently.

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  2. I have faith and believe that one day soon we will grasp the significance of those words too. As a straight male member of the church I have come to understand what Zion truly means and I have now embraced a Zion where our Heavenly Father's gay children have a full and equal inheritance. It took a while for me to come to that point. Line upon line. Precept upon precept. Here a little. And there a little. But the day for me finally came and I am thankful to my Heavenly Father everyday that it did. Thanks for this wonderful post Clive.

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