In a thoughtful and respectful manner, respond to the following questions:

1. Christians are called to show compassion and understanding; if it will bring happiness to homosexuals, why should we oppose same-sex marriage?
2. If you believe same-sex marriage should not be opposed, then explain why not? Use biblical and empirical support for your answer.
3. How may one stand for something like same-sex marriage without being judgmental? Support your view on the difference between confronting sin and being judgmental using scripture.    

Same-Sex Marriage

The opposition of same-sex marriages is due to Biblical teachings. The book of Leviticus declares same-sex relationships with the same gender as an abomination (King James Bible, 2017, Leviticus. 20:13). As a result, the punishment for such an act is death. Sex in the natural order of creation has the purpose of procreation. Same-sex marriage does not contribute to procreation. As per Biblical teachings, the natural order is a man and a woman coming together to create a family. Christians oppose same-sex practices because of going against God's creation and the natural order of procreation. Christians feel that same-sex marriages show disrespect to God. Also, Christians regard same-sex marriages as a way of the devil destroying the union of man and woman. Same-sex marriages bring happiness to same-sex couples. However, Christians feel that same-sex couples ridicule the teachings of God.  In most instances, the ridicule applies when same-sex couples seek churches to preside over marriage. This angers Christians who seek guidance from Biblical teachings. Furthermore, condemnation of homosexuality in Biblical teachings creates controversy when same-sex couples seek understanding and inclusion by the church. The controversy comes from same-sex couples wanting Christians to go against God's will as per the Bible. According to Christians, God's will to obey His commandments surpass human desires. Hence, showing understanding and compassion by Christians towards same-sex marriages contradicts the ideals and guidelines that God asks Christians to follow.

The Bible teaches that God loves everyone. This implies that God loves same-sex couples also. Christians believing in Jesus Christ should love others as each Christian shows love to self (King James Bible, 2017, 1 John 5:2). Christians need to show the love that does not judge others. The love that Christians should show is pure and does not come with conditions. This makes love towards same-sex couples acceptable. The opposition of such kind of love shows judgment of who God accepts as righteous or not. Moreover, only God has the authority to judge others, not humans (King James Bible, 2017, Matthew 7:1-5). The opposition of same-sex relationships indicates a judgment over same-sex couples. Judging others in God's eyes is sin. This proves that Christians are not allowed to judge others in any capacity. The opposition of same-sex marriages shows a limited kind of love lacks God's approval. Consequently, love that fulfills certain requirements is not true love as God asks of Christians. God does not entertain hatred. Hence, hatred against same-sex marriage is also going against Biblical teachings. Christians at all times should love each other regardless of who a person marries. Thus, understanding and love for all in same-sex marriages is a practice that should not limit Christians from living like Christ.

The way to stand for same-sex marriage without being judgmental is not viewing a person's character based on a decision about romantic love. Association of a person's character with an issue such as same-sex marriage applies a judgmental tone. Only God has the authority to judge others, not humans (King James Bible, 2017, Matthew 7:1-5). Confrontation of sin focuses on calling out a person based on deeds. On the other hand, judging a person happens when a Christian uses a certain deed to indicate who a person is or is not. Judging comes from thinking that a person is bad or condemned because of how a person chooses to live. Judging same-sex relationships as sin are indicated when Christians create hatred between others based on their marital choices. Christians should at all times feel free to interact with others despite the other person's belief system or practices. Christians separate judging others from confronting sin by not allowing victimization of people based on choice of marrying a person of the same gender.  The practice of unconditional love should apply. This is love that has no limitations or love that is used to become choosey.