I asked people on Sunday to send in the questions they'd like answered during the last week of our "Love & Sex" series. Several thoughts.
1. I read all the answers Monday.
2. Thanks for all your responses.
3. There's were so many questions that — although I have resisted it all week — I have given up the dream to answer all the questions. There's just NO WAY. Too many questions.
4. There are A LOT of sincere people out there who are searching for answers to some fundamental questions of Christianity & marriage & sex.
5. I had NO IDEA about the amount of painful situations that I'd hear about. Totally unexpected.
6. I have been praying ever since for you.
7. My heart has been HURTING all week because of it, praying for the people so willing to share their difficult situations.
8. Some of the questions I read were so candid & so painful that I find myself debating. Do I (a) address their question and risk offending sensitive people or do I (b) not address their question & thus let the world answer it for them? (Even though I know I can't possibly answer all their questions anyway.)
Tim – Unfortunately, none of us have to look very far to find someone who has been abused (physically, sexually, emotionally, etc.). I’ll bet, in a Sunday morning service, if you asked for a show of hands regarding anyone who has ever been the victim of abuse, even specifically sexual abuse, and if people had the courage – you would see many hands — mine included.
In my opinion, the first thing all victims of abuse need to know and completely understand is — it wasn’t their fault. Abuse is never requested. Following that, healing can begin.
Secondly, God is good and, just as we sing in worship, He NEVER LETS GO of us no matter what we may experience while we’re here.
Tim — I think a way has to be found to answer the tough questions. If a person reaches out and does not get an answer, what good was the church?
Ruth — I couldn’t have said it better.
Wayne — I totally agree with you. I’m at a point now where something has to go because I have too many topics to cover…or I risk doing none well.
If the church is screaming out for answers and a Sunday morning setting isn’t going to cover it all, maybe consider offering an extension of this discussion in another forum- like a Wednesday night.
We’ve just recently started regularly attending Grace & have excitedly share about the Love & Sex sermons with friends. This has opened the door to share honestly about love, sex & marriage with friends relieved that they’re not alone in their fears, joys, questions, & concerns. Thank you for addressing this topic when so many keep silent about!