Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
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Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
True. When evaluating these situations, we cannot dismiss the Sociopathic/Psychopathic personality involved...... even when the abuser is only Narcissistic. There is a certain "power" these sorts of personalities seem to project that more of us are susceptible to than we want to admit.
True. When evaluating these situations, we cannot dismiss the Sociopathic/Psychopathic personality involved...... even when the abuser is only Narcissistic. There is a certain "power" these sorts of personalities seem to project that more of us are susceptible to than we want to admit.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
Hi Soul,
IF anyone is struggling with ANY sin we need to have compassion on them and help them in any way we can, and NOT condemn them. My heart breaks for those struggling and only desire to help them. BUT if they are not struggling with sin, and think that what they are doing is in fact not even sin to begin with, and worse, PROMOTE that sin, then, as AGE said, the sin of homosexuality is more destructive to society at large, and the individual themselves.
That would actually be a great thread for you to start on its own! 
Why not try it?
For this thread, your title wouldn't fit because that is not my topic here at all. This thread is NOT about obesity in and of itself, which is very clear in the original post.
Rather, it's about why we treat people who are struggling with one sin so different from others who are struggling with other sins.
I agree with you that different sins will be treated differently and that it can sometimes be warranted. I myself am certainly no exception in how I react to some things. I would react much differently to someone who confessed wanting to bother a child vs. someone who said they struggle with sex addiction (but did not intend to harm anyone).
However, I felt that the topic of why we treat those struggling with homosexuality so much differently than those who struggle with overeating was rather interesting and would make a good discussion.
Again, while I do realize obesity CAN be a medical condition, I am NOT talking about it in the sense of a strictly medical cause in this thread. Rather, I'm talking about it as something that's more of a matter of impulse and the wrong personal choices that could have been made differently--much like many sexual sins.
Why not try it? For this thread, your title wouldn't fit because that is not my topic here at all. This thread is NOT about obesity in and of itself, which is very clear in the original post.
Rather, it's about why we treat people who are struggling with one sin so different from others who are struggling with other sins.
I agree with you that different sins will be treated differently and that it can sometimes be warranted. I myself am certainly no exception in how I react to some things. I would react much differently to someone who confessed wanting to bother a child vs. someone who said they struggle with sex addiction (but did not intend to harm anyone).
However, I felt that the topic of why we treat those struggling with homosexuality so much differently than those who struggle with overeating was rather interesting and would make a good discussion.
Again, while I do realize obesity CAN be a medical condition, I am NOT talking about it in the sense of a strictly medical cause in this thread. Rather, I'm talking about it as something that's more of a matter of impulse and the wrong personal choices that could have been made differently--much like many sexual sins.
IF anyone is struggling with ANY sin we need to have compassion on them and help them in any way we can, and NOT condemn them. My heart breaks for those struggling and only desire to help them. BUT if they are not struggling with sin, and think that what they are doing is in fact not even sin to begin with, and worse, PROMOTE that sin, then, as AGE said, the sin of homosexuality is more destructive to society at large, and the individual themselves.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
In response to the thread title's question, I think it's because when someone says "I THINK I'm gay" it means their confused about how they feel about being attracted to the same sex, whereas if someone says "I am obese", then they usually probably ARE struggling with their extra weight but they KNOW it, they don't just THINK (or wonder) that they're obese.
I think they get different reactions because "thinking" you're gay is not the same as BEING gay. Though it is unnatural to think like that, because people are supposed to be attracted to the OPPOSITE sex, not their own.
As for obese people, I think many times that people just assume that they are over-eating simply because they love food. There could be a number of factors as to why they are obese, such as meds, heredity, a genetic condition, and depression. So we shouldn't just assume that person is obese because they eat alot or frequently.
In response to the thread title's question, I think it's because when someone says "I THINK I'm gay" it means their confused about how they feel about being attracted to the same sex, whereas if someone says "I am obese", then they usually probably ARE struggling with their extra weight but they KNOW it, they don't just THINK (or wonder) that they're obese.
I think they get different reactions because "thinking" you're gay is not the same as BEING gay. Though it is unnatural to think like that, because people are supposed to be attracted to the OPPOSITE sex, not their own.
As for obese people, I think many times that people just assume that they are over-eating simply because they love food. There could be a number of factors as to why they are obese, such as meds, heredity, a genetic condition, and depression. So we shouldn't just assume that person is obese because they eat alot or frequently.
J
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
I Agree Lady Blue! There ARE MANY especially in their teens and 20's confused and think they are gay. Why??? A few reasons society is pushing it nonstop. Some teens who can't get acceptance in other areas of their life can find acceptance there. I have learned through years of being a GEMS leader that many of the girls who THINK/BECOME/ARE Gay is because of an abuse situation. As to the original THREAD question I would have an honest talk as to why they THINK they are gay. I DO NOT feel attacking a person in any form is good, talking, showing compassion, praying, ASKING if I can read them scripture and discuss the meaning behind the scripture. Showing them my Christian BAD A$$ self and allowing a genuine conversation with no judgement. I am not GOD, hence forth I should not judge. I will kindly tell you why I disagree, etc. , but I will not judge or condemn it is not my place. As to the reaction of I am obese...I'd ask if they also want help with that and ask what they feel triggers it. Then I'D PRAY, ask if they want to go Kayaking. I'd also not judge or condemn or react indifferently. GOD MADE US ALL and we ALL have a past and that past creates the person we are today! Listen and learn from others, do not ASSUME, CONDEMN or JUDGE! SHOW GODS loving compassion and have a conversation with GOD leading you through that conversation with the person who things they may be gay or are Obese.
I Agree Lady Blue! There ARE MANY especially in their teens and 20's confused and think they are gay. Why??? A few reasons society is pushing it nonstop. Some teens who can't get acceptance in other areas of their life can find acceptance there. I have learned through years of being a GEMS leader that many of the girls who THINK/BECOME/ARE Gay is because of an abuse situation. As to the original THREAD question I would have an honest talk as to why they THINK they are gay. I DO NOT feel attacking a person in any form is good, talking, showing compassion, praying, ASKING if I can read them scripture and discuss the meaning behind the scripture. Showing them my Christian BAD A$$ self and allowing a genuine conversation with no judgement. I am not GOD, hence forth I should not judge. I will kindly tell you why I disagree, etc. , but I will not judge or condemn it is not my place. As to the reaction of I am obese...I'd ask if they also want help with that and ask what they feel triggers it. Then I'D PRAY, ask if they want to go Kayaking. I'd also not judge or condemn or react indifferently. GOD MADE US ALL and we ALL have a past and that past creates the person we are today! Listen and learn from others, do not ASSUME, CONDEMN or JUDGE! SHOW GODS loving compassion and have a conversation with GOD leading you through that conversation with the person who things they may be gay or are Obese.
V
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
I often wonder about the multitudes of people following hard after Jesus like deer panting for water. I'm sure every single one of them could have been named an adulterer, lust monger, pervert, thief, wine bibber, glutton, fearful, skeptic, vain, hater, unforgiving, lazy, even a murderer. There wasn't a soul in the crowd who was not sick or corrupt.
All those people knew they were in need and yet they ran after Jesus to help them. They didn't recoil or let pride or shame get in the way. They publicly thronged Jesus for healing and help. They didn't care what anyone thought or that their weakness was made known to all.
I wonder how Jesus was able to attract people to Him like that? I think it was because Jesus didn't recoil from them. He wasn't ashamed to be seen with sinners. He called them friends. Jesus always had open arms and didn't reject people because of what they were in the flesh. He was perfect and He treated people like they were perfect in His sight.
I think when Jesus looks at you like you're perfect, He makes you start to believe it. He makes you want to follow Him.
I often wonder about the multitudes of people following hard after Jesus like deer panting for water. I'm sure every single one of them could have been named an adulterer, lust monger, pervert, thief, wine bibber, glutton, fearful, skeptic, vain, hater, unforgiving, lazy, even a murderer. There wasn't a soul in the crowd who was not sick or corrupt.
All those people knew they were in need and yet they ran after Jesus to help them. They didn't recoil or let pride or shame get in the way. They publicly thronged Jesus for healing and help. They didn't care what anyone thought or that their weakness was made known to all.
I wonder how Jesus was able to attract people to Him like that? I think it was because Jesus didn't recoil from them. He wasn't ashamed to be seen with sinners. He called them friends. Jesus always had open arms and didn't reject people because of what they were in the flesh. He was perfect and He treated people like they were perfect in His sight.
I think when Jesus looks at you like you're perfect, He makes you start to believe it. He makes you want to follow Him.
K
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
Then you would be wrong according to the Bible. Unless you are strictly talking about friendship only with no attraction,you can be attracted to a person and not have sex.Are you attracted to men? If you are not then we have an issue.You cannot please God and be homosexual,it is not possible.Anyone who tells you it is is lying to you.You want Gods will for your life? Then you must follow His commands.Pray and ask God to lead you to the right path.Our will is so strong and we dont want to obey but if we are Christians we must.Its something we all struggle with.Surround yourself with good Christian friends and support. God will lead you.
Then you would be wrong according to the Bible. Unless you are strictly talking about friendship only with no attraction,you can be attracted to a person and not have sex.Are you attracted to men? If you are not then we have an issue.You cannot please God and be homosexual,it is not possible.Anyone who tells you it is is lying to you.You want Gods will for your life? Then you must follow His commands.Pray and ask God to lead you to the right path.Our will is so strong and we dont want to obey but if we are Christians we must.Its something we all struggle with.Surround yourself with good Christian friends and support. God will lead you.
S
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
I would like to say that you can please God and be a homosexual. You just can't please God and stay a homosexual. It would be called being born again. I just want to make sure anyone struggling with homosexuality doesn't think they have to get free of it before being saved. You have to accept God's word that it's sin and want to be free, allowing the Holy Spirit to change your desires, but if we could get free from sin on our own we wouldn't need Jesus.
I do think you will agree with me kaylagrl. I just wanted to make sure no one took your statement different than what I think you meant.
I would like to say that you can please God and be a homosexual. You just can't please God and stay a homosexual. It would be called being born again. I just want to make sure anyone struggling with homosexuality doesn't think they have to get free of it before being saved. You have to accept God's word that it's sin and want to be free, allowing the Holy Spirit to change your desires, but if we could get free from sin on our own we wouldn't need Jesus.
I do think you will agree with me kaylagrl. I just wanted to make sure no one took your statement different than what I think you meant.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
I have to say thank you for some of the very kind and compassionate answers here--a few answers in particular have been very encouraging to see.
Yet, it's interesting that as can be predicted, the issue of homosexuality still manages to take center stage.
Why isn't anyone saying, "I'm overweight," and then having all kinds of people tell them that while they are sinning, they can still have a relationship with Jesus--they just can't continue to choose to abuse their body with excess calories?
This is the exact kind of thing I had in mind when I had this thread.
I know some have said that homosexuality hurts others besides the people who struggle with it and that's part of why it's a more serious sin and needs to be dealt with in a harsher manner.
But do we forget, or ignore, all the people we hurt by abusing our bodies with extra calories? The parents who are too tired and unhealthy to spend time with their children... the money spent on food, drugs, and medical bills that could be avoided by choosing fresh, unprocessed foods... the times someone like me will avoid going to a Bible study class because I'm "too tired", often because of a poor health choice, when going to that class could benefit myself and a lot of other people... The tax money spent on public health programs due to people's love affair with food... Being overweight hurts a lot of people other than the ones who are overweight.
Just some things to think about. I just wonder if people think they're perfectly in line with God by trying to keep others in line with God... while not noticing how far we ourselves may be from the straight and narrow.
I have to say thank you for some of the very kind and compassionate answers here--a few answers in particular have been very encouraging to see.
Yet, it's interesting that as can be predicted, the issue of homosexuality still manages to take center stage.
Why isn't anyone saying, "I'm overweight," and then having all kinds of people tell them that while they are sinning, they can still have a relationship with Jesus--they just can't continue to choose to abuse their body with excess calories?
This is the exact kind of thing I had in mind when I had this thread.
I know some have said that homosexuality hurts others besides the people who struggle with it and that's part of why it's a more serious sin and needs to be dealt with in a harsher manner.
But do we forget, or ignore, all the people we hurt by abusing our bodies with extra calories? The parents who are too tired and unhealthy to spend time with their children... the money spent on food, drugs, and medical bills that could be avoided by choosing fresh, unprocessed foods... the times someone like me will avoid going to a Bible study class because I'm "too tired", often because of a poor health choice, when going to that class could benefit myself and a lot of other people... The tax money spent on public health programs due to people's love affair with food... Being overweight hurts a lot of people other than the ones who are overweight.
Just some things to think about. I just wonder if people think they're perfectly in line with God by trying to keep others in line with God... while not noticing how far we ourselves may be from the straight and narrow.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
Here's a Biblical standpoint of Homosexuality vis-à-vis gluttony
Homosexuality :-
1. It is called an abomination. Some translations have called it detestable and disgusting (Leviticus 18:22)
2. Practitioners of homosexuality would not be found in the kingdom of heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, [SUP]10 [/SUP]nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. [SUP]11 [/SUP]Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
3. Sign of a debased mind with God giving them up.
Romans 1:26-28
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Gluttony -
1. Leads to poverty
Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags
2. Warnings not to indulge in them as to be enslaved to them. (1 Corinthians 6)
3. Leads to destruction, being set on earthly things
Phillipians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
1 Corinthians 6 sums it up well.
The Body Is the Lord’s
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. [SUP]13[/SUP]Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
Paul asked for a man to be handed over to Satan as sexual immorality was being committed in that church.
Would you call that throwing rocks?
Both are sins. Why do you want people to have the same reaction for being obese and being gay? Does that make a big difference to someone?
Does trivializing homosexuality as just any other sin suddenly make us more acceptable to society and Christianity more popular ?
Do we please God or do we please others?
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Here's a Biblical standpoint of Homosexuality vis-à-vis gluttony
Homosexuality :-
1. It is called an abomination. Some translations have called it detestable and disgusting (Leviticus 18:22)
2. Practitioners of homosexuality would not be found in the kingdom of heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, [SUP]10 [/SUP]nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. [SUP]11 [/SUP]Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
3. Sign of a debased mind with God giving them up.
Romans 1:26-28
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Gluttony -
1. Leads to poverty
Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags
2. Warnings not to indulge in them as to be enslaved to them. (1 Corinthians 6)
3. Leads to destruction, being set on earthly things
Phillipians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
1 Corinthians 6 sums it up well.
The Body Is the Lord’s
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. [SUP]13[/SUP]Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
Paul asked for a man to be handed over to Satan as sexual immorality was being committed in that church.
Would you call that throwing rocks?
Both are sins. Why do you want people to have the same reaction for being obese and being gay? Does that make a big difference to someone?
Does trivializing homosexuality as just any other sin suddenly make us more acceptable to society and Christianity more popular ?
Do we please God or do we please others?
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
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Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
You´ve hit a nail (and a good key)
[h=2]Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?[/h]
Is it sinful being obese?
I don´t think it is a sin overeating, neither smoking or drinking (once the moment arises).
You´ve hit a nail (and a good key)
[h=2]Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?[/h]
Is it sinful being obese?
I don´t think it is a sin overeating, neither smoking or drinking (once the moment arises).
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
Great references, Rachel--thank you for taking the time to post them.
Different sins are to be handled different, I understand that. No, I am not asking at all that we handle all sins in the same way.
What I'm asking about, rather, is why we handle different sins with such different levels of compassion.
With some sins, understanding and treating someone like a human being seems to be thrown out the window entirely, and I am asking why.
Great references, Rachel--thank you for taking the time to post them.
Different sins are to be handled different, I understand that. No, I am not asking at all that we handle all sins in the same way.
What I'm asking about, rather, is why we handle different sins with such different levels of compassion.
With some sins, understanding and treating someone like a human being seems to be thrown out the window entirely, and I am asking why.
K
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
I believe this particular sin has been pushed with an agenda like no other. People are forced to accept this lifestyle.They vote against it,the gov't overrides it.Its pushed on tv,movies,magazines,music.I was born this way,you have to accept it. If you say its a sin you are a bigot and intolerant.Christianity is being mocked and anyone who stands against homosexuality is skewered in the news.People are losing businesses over this.There is no question that there is an agenda within the gay community to make homosexuality 100% acceptable.
If someone is wanting to be delivered from homosexuality then that is a different story.We should have compassion on everyone outside the church.But as seen in the teen forum a young person said they were bisexual and congratulated a young man for "coming out".Then they claimed to be a Christian and got angry when some questioned that.That is why people are so upset about homosexuality.I believe people feel God will judge this country because we have accepted homosexuality. Marriage is sacred and homosexuality tears down the very foundation of Gods plan for the family,marriage between a man and a woman.I believe God sees it as a severe sin and takes it very seriously. It is a spirit of deception.We need to be telling people that can be free of this bondage and do what is right in Gods eyes.
I believe this particular sin has been pushed with an agenda like no other. People are forced to accept this lifestyle.They vote against it,the gov't overrides it.Its pushed on tv,movies,magazines,music.I was born this way,you have to accept it. If you say its a sin you are a bigot and intolerant.Christianity is being mocked and anyone who stands against homosexuality is skewered in the news.People are losing businesses over this.There is no question that there is an agenda within the gay community to make homosexuality 100% acceptable.
If someone is wanting to be delivered from homosexuality then that is a different story.We should have compassion on everyone outside the church.But as seen in the teen forum a young person said they were bisexual and congratulated a young man for "coming out".Then they claimed to be a Christian and got angry when some questioned that.That is why people are so upset about homosexuality.I believe people feel God will judge this country because we have accepted homosexuality. Marriage is sacred and homosexuality tears down the very foundation of Gods plan for the family,marriage between a man and a woman.I believe God sees it as a severe sin and takes it very seriously. It is a spirit of deception.We need to be telling people that can be free of this bondage and do what is right in Gods eyes.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
Although I have been thinking of this topic for a very long time, I was especially inspired by a thread I have been following in the Teen Forum.
As I've written before, I have never had a struggle with homosexual feelings but I DO know what it's like to struggle with identity, and that's why I have a lot of compassion for those who struggle with sexual and/or gender identity.
When I wrote this thread, I had a very clear picture in my head: What if I were the one with a sexual identity struggle and was genuinely, sincerely asking for help and advice here on CC? And what if people attacked me from all angles, telling me I needed to get right with God without even bothering to ask anything about my life story and who I was?
Better yet, what if I could see my attackers face-to-face, and many of them were, themselves, 50 pounds overweight, and it was due to choice and gluttony, and not a strict medical issue? (Remember, I myself posted that I have a real medical condition for which obesity is one of the symptoms, but I've seen firsthand how much choice can make a difference.)
I'm not saying this is "The Christian Answer", but I know what I would say in reply: "Since you're telling me I need to get right with God, I was just wondering... What's YOUR approach to getting right with God? After all, your sin is all over your body (in the form of extra fat), so I'm assuming whatever works for you might also work for me... Please. Tell me what you do and how it's working for you."
We all talk about how terrible it is when people say, "I don't care... It's been a stressful week, I'm gonna get plastered this weekend!"
But how many more people will say, "I'm gonna eat this whole bag of Doritos and wash it down with a Coke and a pan of brownies... I just don't care!!!"
I'm not saying we should treat all sins equally. But what I AM saying is, why does the person who chooses alcoholic become demonized and criticized to the core, while the person who chooses gluttony is completely overlooked?
Again. Is it because we're too busy downing that 4th slice of pizza ourselves... And we don't want to face our own sins in the process? (By the way, as I'm writing this, I'm eating a bag of M&M's. And I don't mean one you find at the checkstands--I'm talking, a FAMILY SIZE bag. I've been nibbling on them all morning instead of a real breakfast. I'm just as guilty as anyone else.)
But I do hope I can work harder at treating both the person who overeats AND the person who struggles with alcohol or sexuality in a kind, understanding manner, despite the fact that yes, their sins will probably be dealt with a little differently.
P.S. Kayla, I just read your post and understand about homosexuality seeming to be everywhere.
But so is gluttony and the problem of people being overweight and unhealthy. Why are people struggling with this also not continuously chastized and condemned over "getting right with God" as homosexuals are?
Although I have been thinking of this topic for a very long time, I was especially inspired by a thread I have been following in the Teen Forum.
As I've written before, I have never had a struggle with homosexual feelings but I DO know what it's like to struggle with identity, and that's why I have a lot of compassion for those who struggle with sexual and/or gender identity.
When I wrote this thread, I had a very clear picture in my head: What if I were the one with a sexual identity struggle and was genuinely, sincerely asking for help and advice here on CC? And what if people attacked me from all angles, telling me I needed to get right with God without even bothering to ask anything about my life story and who I was?
Better yet, what if I could see my attackers face-to-face, and many of them were, themselves, 50 pounds overweight, and it was due to choice and gluttony, and not a strict medical issue? (Remember, I myself posted that I have a real medical condition for which obesity is one of the symptoms, but I've seen firsthand how much choice can make a difference.)
I'm not saying this is "The Christian Answer", but I know what I would say in reply: "Since you're telling me I need to get right with God, I was just wondering... What's YOUR approach to getting right with God? After all, your sin is all over your body (in the form of extra fat), so I'm assuming whatever works for you might also work for me... Please. Tell me what you do and how it's working for you."
We all talk about how terrible it is when people say, "I don't care... It's been a stressful week, I'm gonna get plastered this weekend!"
But how many more people will say, "I'm gonna eat this whole bag of Doritos and wash it down with a Coke and a pan of brownies... I just don't care!!!"
I'm not saying we should treat all sins equally. But what I AM saying is, why does the person who chooses alcoholic become demonized and criticized to the core, while the person who chooses gluttony is completely overlooked?
Again. Is it because we're too busy downing that 4th slice of pizza ourselves... And we don't want to face our own sins in the process? (By the way, as I'm writing this, I'm eating a bag of M&M's. And I don't mean one you find at the checkstands--I'm talking, a FAMILY SIZE bag. I've been nibbling on them all morning instead of a real breakfast. I'm just as guilty as anyone else.)
But I do hope I can work harder at treating both the person who overeats AND the person who struggles with alcohol or sexuality in a kind, understanding manner, despite the fact that yes, their sins will probably be dealt with a little differently.
P.S. Kayla, I just read your post and understand about homosexuality seeming to be everywhere.
But so is gluttony and the problem of people being overweight and unhealthy. Why are people struggling with this also not continuously chastized and condemned over "getting right with God" as homosexuals are?
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Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
That seems more like a case by case situation.
From my experience it is never easy to confront someone on their sin, especially in a society where most of what is considered sin in Christian living are considered acceptable and any level of tolerance from such a standard is condemned as "hate".
Sexual immorality in the church has very serious consequences affecting the entire body of Christ.
These are Paul's words.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
That may seem inhuman.
In Revelation 2, Jesus condemned the church that tolerated sexual immorality
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.[SUP]22 [/SUP]Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. [SUP]23 [/SUP]I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
This is Jesus speaking.
Jesus doesn't seem "nice." God destroyed cities, people and nations for sins.
I appreciate and understand being kind and compassionate to others - which we are to do at all times, whether someone is sinning or not.
That seems more like a case by case situation.
From my experience it is never easy to confront someone on their sin, especially in a society where most of what is considered sin in Christian living are considered acceptable and any level of tolerance from such a standard is condemned as "hate".
Sexual immorality in the church has very serious consequences affecting the entire body of Christ.
These are Paul's words.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
That may seem inhuman.
In Revelation 2, Jesus condemned the church that tolerated sexual immorality
And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.[SUP]22 [/SUP]Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. [SUP]23 [/SUP]I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
This is Jesus speaking.
Jesus doesn't seem "nice." God destroyed cities, people and nations for sins.
I appreciate and understand being kind and compassionate to others - which we are to do at all times, whether someone is sinning or not.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
What´s the problem any person might admit -publicly- the problems they might have?
True believers had admitted what they felt and what had done... Lesbianism, homosexuality, cheating on, etc. are not worst than often lying.
PS
God has seen the nasty person I am and, also, the good things He can do with whatever thing I AM.
What´s the problem any person might admit -publicly- the problems they might have?
True believers had admitted what they felt and what had done... Lesbianism, homosexuality, cheating on, etc. are not worst than often lying.
PS
God has seen the nasty person I am and, also, the good things He can do with whatever thing I AM.
Re: Why Does "I Think I'm Gay" Get Such a Different Reaction From "I Am Obese"?
One of the most intriguing things I find about God is what seems to be the "extremes" of His personality. One one hand, He can destroy entire cities with fire for their rebellion and yes, sexual sin.
On the other hand, He can meet a social outcast at a well and even though she's clearly been with at least 6 men, He chooses to speak to her as a person and forgive her sins.
One passage I revisited recently is 2 Kings 17:15: "(The people) pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves."
I recently read a book in which a Christian pastor slightly criticized Indian culture for following so many gods. The Indian woman replied, "Ah, but in America, you have many gods you follow as well! For instance..." and she went on to say how she had heard that in America, people worship their stomachs. She pointed out that Americans are always looking for the next big thing when it comes to food, how we are always looking to food to satisfy us, and that we have many altars of worship (entire channels devoted solely to food), all to our own stomachs.
It's funny how we often think we are exempt from things like idolatry, and yet many of us fall to it every single day. I'm certainly not condemning a love of good food. I'm right there in line! But, there is a line between "liking something a lot" and sinning... and I think many of us don't realize when we cross that line.
The entire point of this thread is to hopefully get us all to think about HOW we speak to someone regarding their sin, and what our true motivations are. Even more importantly, are we speaking as people who can see the significance of our OWN sins before we correct someone else?
This is exactly my point. We see sins differently... and... it seems.... We always see our own sins as being lesser than that of the person we choose to speak to.
Personally, I think that it's always something to work on, for all of us, but that's just me.
One of the most intriguing things I find about God is what seems to be the "extremes" of His personality. One one hand, He can destroy entire cities with fire for their rebellion and yes, sexual sin.
On the other hand, He can meet a social outcast at a well and even though she's clearly been with at least 6 men, He chooses to speak to her as a person and forgive her sins.
One passage I revisited recently is 2 Kings 17:15: "(The people) pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves."
I recently read a book in which a Christian pastor slightly criticized Indian culture for following so many gods. The Indian woman replied, "Ah, but in America, you have many gods you follow as well! For instance..." and she went on to say how she had heard that in America, people worship their stomachs. She pointed out that Americans are always looking for the next big thing when it comes to food, how we are always looking to food to satisfy us, and that we have many altars of worship (entire channels devoted solely to food), all to our own stomachs.
It's funny how we often think we are exempt from things like idolatry, and yet many of us fall to it every single day. I'm certainly not condemning a love of good food. I'm right there in line! But, there is a line between "liking something a lot" and sinning... and I think many of us don't realize when we cross that line.
The entire point of this thread is to hopefully get us all to think about HOW we speak to someone regarding their sin, and what our true motivations are. Even more importantly, are we speaking as people who can see the significance of our OWN sins before we correct someone else?
This is exactly my point. We see sins differently... and... it seems.... We always see our own sins as being lesser than that of the person we choose to speak to.
Personally, I think that it's always something to work on, for all of us, but that's just me.