With the recent teen suicide related to bullying and the recent anti-gay campaign by a local church, I am reminded of the reason it is important to spread love. A local church  is spreading the message that “being gay is NOT a gift from God.” I wonder if they are aware of who may really be reading this billboard. I wonder if they considered the idea that a young person who is facing coming out is reading this sign. This sign is reinforcing the message that so many young people are already receiving from their peers, their families, their churches, and the media. And now, they get to read it on the side of the road. This could possibly be on the way home from a long day of being picked on at school. When they return home maybe they will have to hear negative messages from their families. This message can easily be interpreted into “You are not a gift from God. There is something innately wrong with you. Have no hope, you do not deserve love and respect.” As an advocate for anti-bullying, this not only makes me upset, but it’s infuriating.

I want to lift people up. I believe whole heartedly that Jesus wanted to lift people up. His message shows that it is important to lead by example and love everyone unconditionally whether or not they meet your expectations. Jesus said specifically, “love your neighbor as yourself.” What part of love includes bullying? Jesus would not have gone out of His way to publicly scrutinize anyone. Instead, He would reach out.

As far as homosexuality being a sin, I say this: Humans were not all meant to be the same. God’s plan is not the same for each person. I question how one individual can know God’s plan for another individual. Our route in life is between us and our Creator. The stories used against us can easily be translated to argue many different negative and positive things. But there is never a rule in the Bible that specifically states “homosexuality is a sin.” The love between two individuals is only between them, and their Creator.