Opinion Page

It has become increasingly apparent that many opinions exist on the issue of homosexuality and, on a bigger picture, the manner in which we deal with it and treat others who make this choice.

At first I was reluctant to address this issue for the fact that people have many preconceived ideas and are not open to others’ opinions, but I feel compelled none the less.

I would like to start out by presenting my own personal opinion on this delicate subject.

I do not agree with the practice of homosexuality and feel that it violates my personal, biblically-based beliefs.

But I hold no hatred or bitterness towards those individuals who have made a personal choice to live their life in this manner.

It would be a double standard for me to not speak with or hold contempt towards these people whose behavior violates the code of ethics that I try to live by daily.

Furthermore, I would even be a hypocrite in the sense that I myself slip and am in no way perfect and have broken the laws that God has set before us.

I will be the first to admit that I am in no way an expert on this subject, but I do have some education on it.

If it is the case that one is attracted to someone of the same sex because of a internal component, then my heart truly goes out to them. But in the same sense, I have temptations to do things which I believe are wrong and must overcome such urges.

I am very aware of the common attitude of today that you should just do what makes you happy, but I honestly feel that people cannot be truly happy if they are living their life in this manner.

I have come to know that the only true source of happiness and peace is God and, more importantly, a personal relationship with him.

I know in my heart that God is so much bigger and can easily overcome any temptation that we have.

It should be clear that I don’t hold pity on those in this position, but I am rather sympathetic and I hold each and every one of you dearly in prayer. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.