As it says in 1 Peter 3:9: "Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling: but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing."
For all the negative mail I receive, I will never send a negative response. I will not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling. I believe as gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians, This Is Our Calling. All manner of evil has been visited upon gays, lesbians and bisexuals, and it is tempting to fight fire with fire, but as Christians we are warned to "turn the other cheek" and to "not return evil for evil."
This is the core of homospirituality: "let him seek peace and pursue it." (1 Peter 3:11 )
As gay, lesbian and bisexual Christians, we too have God on our side. If we seek God, then God will seek us. God is our protector. We should never be afraid to proclaim that God is with us, even as gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
We are assured this in 1 Peter 3:13-15:
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is right? But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence."
Our enemies deserve a response, but not a hateful, noisy response. They deserve a gentle and reverent response, even if their challenge is noisy and hateful. As gay and lesbian Christians, we are called to defend "the hope that is within" us on a daily basis. We must gird ourselves with the word and power of God. Learn your Bible, know it and be ready to defend it at all turns. Know the miracle that God has done in your life, be ready to testify to them and glorify God with your daily lives.
Being a gay or lesbian or bisexual Christian is no easy task. You must be doubly prepared to defend yourself. For many of those in the "mainstream" of the church, Christianity is relatively easy. They attend "mainstream" churches... they are most often validated in their faith communities... many only listen to what preachers say the Bible says and they aren't forced (or even encouraged, in some cases) to find out for themselves what the Bible really says. We, on the other hand, have been told we deserve death. We've been told that God hates us, reviles us and wants us dead. We've been kicked out of the "mainstream" churches, left to form our own faith communities. In some cases, we are even reviled in the gay and lesbian community as evidenced by such wonderful shirts at gay pride events that read "Jesus save me from your followers."
As gay, lesbian and BI Christians we have to work harder to make our faith strong. We have to endure more doubts, more insults, more judgment, and more hatred than your average Christian does. I believe our journey is harder, but we are better and stronger for it.
1 Peter 3:12-14 holds words of comfort for gay, lesbian and BI Christians as they make the journey:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed. Because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
Everyday, gay, lesbian and BI Christians are "reproached for the name of Christ." Know. Brothers and sisters, that you are blessed.