What could Jesus say about the results of the same-sex marriage survey?

WITH about eighty per cent of eligible Australians who have participated in the SSM postal survey, it is clear that the majority consider it an important issue. So significant, in fact, that it almost seems that the bell curve of the sights is reversed – everyone believes passionately on both sides, less in the middle of the road than ever. It can provoke a social war.

The result, therefore, polarized many of us. Many were elated and many, though less numerous, were exasperated. Both the exalted and the exasperated have the opportunity to adjust to the thought of Christ.

Jesus challenged almost everyone he got involved with. Some were challenged by his encouragement. Others were reprimanded, given food for thought. Others again received the wrath of God for the boldness they showed in abusing the powerless (i.e., the chief priests and scribes). Few people are comfortable with the historical Jesus, except the powerless or those for whom life had crushed, who were also humbly willing to be closer to God.

God does not change. Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, forever (Hebrews 13: 8). Its nature is the way the Holy Spirit works. We drift off the line a tenth of a degree and the Lord’s still, still, soft voice advises us to return to the old and true way (Jeremiah 6:16).

I’m not entirely sure what Jesus would say. I’m also not sure that others can accurately identify what the Lord would say. But I am sure I would have many things to say, all truthful, balanced, wise, and challenging for all of us to ponder. As we read the gospels, he was actually surprisingly unpredictable in what he said, when he said it, and to whom he said what he said. Sure, we can say that what he said makes a lot of sense, but wisdom is always logical in hindsight.

Simply asking this question helps us Christians to control ourselves before responding, in the tradition of Psalm 139: 23-24. In such a case, the Holy Spirit could advise us to do what is always blessed and resist what is only occasionally blessed and at other times harmful.

Act fairly, be kind, and walk humbly.

these are always right.

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It is good to ask unanswered questions. They make us stop and reflect on the mystery of life, which is God. And the place we come to is not an established point of view, but an acceptance of what is. That is God’s blessing for us, today and every day. It’s great to know that we don’t know.

A secure position that we can reach as individuals on complex matters like SSM is:

· Recognize that it is complex and that none of us has every corner of the truth on this topic or any other topic;

Understand that our role is to act justly, to be kind to others, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6: 8), which means:

or we take into account, with respect, our differences and inclinations;

or we monitor what we do or say to avoid injury and increase healing;

or recognize that our opinions are just that: filtered through our limited way of seeing things;

And, by doing these things, we hope to glorify God, who is our main goal.

It’s good to avoid certain topics socially so that we can just focus on being present with people. And if we really need to process the problems, it is good to go to someone who will lead us to relief; Someone who listens, validates what we feel, but does not fan the fire.

It is not necessary that we have something to say on every subject.

When everyone is respected, regardless of their opinion or the strength of their point of view, everyone is loved.