I agree. Loving others builds endurance in our relationships but, as you’ve said, also gives us more satisfaction out of life and true joy.

Dan George
Blog: Investment Option

It may be that the reason many like myself early in our ministry don’t adequately understand this area is because we haven’t had meaningful interaction with it. I know what’s often going through the mind of my 7-year-old because I remember doing the same things! However, in this area I feel unequipped but do know Christ’s love within me for them.

Some of us grow up with our parents advising us in such ways as keeping a distance from the presence of underaged drinking, etc. Avoidance may not have started to be avoidance of the issue, but perhaps avoidance of temptation or association.

I’m on the conservative side of the issue, but I’ve always been against the hate exhibited or the disdain that comes from some pulpits. I work with great people in same-sex relationships and at times I have felt like I avoid the issue with them. Your resource has helped me to see differently and more relationally. Thanks for the insight of the balance between showing hope and communicating God’s truths.

Thank you for your review of the book! I’d like to make one correction, however. I haven’t ever been in a “sexually broken lifestyle” (your words), nor did I say that in the book. Nor do I see myself as any better than someone who has. I believe that each of us experiences brokenness on some level and that we humans (when we are honest with ourselves) are all on the same playing field before God and each other.

You might ask, if I haven’t been gay, what motivated me to write a book on this topic? When I realized God was calling me to engage in this ministry, I began asking the same question myself. The vast majority of books about this issue are from homosexuals or post-homosexuals (Hence your natural assumption). I didn’t think I could have a voice on this topic. It didn’t take long for me to realize, however, that there are tens of thousands of pastors like me, leading churches all over the country, who don’t have a clue about the struggles people with same-sex attraction face (much less an understanding about how to engage in Christlike ministry in this arena).

So I realized that I, an average pastor without a dramatic testimony, actually have a unique place. I can tell other pastor, “Hey, I’m just like you. If I’m doing this ministry and showing compassion without watering down Scripture, you can do the same.”

Thanks again for your review.

WP Campbell

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