By Patrick Halpin, Photographer, A-Dove Photo and Drone
I accompanied Titus and Kris Folks of Love Life Boise/Ontario to the Boise Pride Festival in Ann Morrison Memorial Park this past Saturday as they set out to bring the good news of the Gospel to as many festival participants as would listen. I learned a lot from the experience by simply observing the interactions between festival participants and the love life team. Even though the team was relegated to ministering from outside the festival entrance, there was no shortage of people wanting to interact.
One thing that became perfectly clear early on was many participants believe our side is full of hate and there only to condemn. Sometimes telling the truth may sound harsh, but in reality it is because of love that we speak as we do. After all, sharing the love of Christ is the entire point of being there. The good news of the Gospel is available to everyone; no one is beyond the love of Jesus.
The question is — can the Gospel be preached effectively to a people that believe the preacher is condemning them? If the goal is to help them find a relationship with Jesus and we represent His love, shouldn’t we be motivated to find a way to communicate His message in a way they will listen to? Do we join the churches that display the rainbow flag and tell them Jesus loves them just as they are? I don’t think so. Do we preach hell and damnation? Maybe. Could the answer be somewhere in between?
We want to show the love of Christ to a lost world, but do we understand what love is? Is love “live and let live?” Reading 1 Corinthians 13, Paul speaks of what Godly love really is. He says love is patient, kind, and among other things, enduring. Love is also caring for others above yourself. If Jesus loves them, how could the church sit back and “live and let live” knowing their souls will spend eternity without Jesus? We can’t!
Truth be told, many in the world have absolutely no desire to know Jesus. It’s been that way since the dawn of time. For those individuals, no amount of preaching will change their hearts. Jesus told His disciples to shake the dust off their boots if someone will not receive them. No arguments. No pleading. We need to remember this teaching and apply it. Remember, there are others watching your interactions with those types that will be influenced by what they hear and see.
This is in no way a criticism of the Love Life team. They voluntarily put themselves in the trenches not for their glory or recognition, but for the Glory of God and His Kingdom. Please pray for them and their ministry. And, please also consider praying for the lost souls that attended the Pride event they find the Way, the Truth, and the Life — Jesus Christ, our Lord.
So, what are your thoughts on this subject? I’d love to hear your feedback, both good and bad. As long as we are on this side of heaven, we never stop learning from each other!
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