Dear Sister Faithful: Yesterday one of my co-workers gave me an invitation to her wedding. The problem is that she is marrying another woman! We’ve worked together fairly closely over the past two years and I never knew or suspected that she was a lesbian. She knows that I am a Christian and even though we have never discussed homosexuality, I can’t help but to wonder why she would invite me to her wedding. I don’t want to seem cruel or judgmental, but I can’t go to that wedding. How can I deal with this and still maintain a decent working relationship?
Confused Co-Worker
Dear Confused: There is significant and ongoing debate surrounding the issue of homosexuality and the Scriptures. Though there are a number of Scriptures that are frequently quoted when addressing this issue, I have found that in our attempt to execute the principles behind the Scriptures we often overlook Christ’s most basic command with regards to human relationships, that we love others as we love ourselves. Paul repeats Christ’s words in Romans 13:8, where he further adds that we are to owe no man anything but to love them. Therefore, in the midst of the current controversy surrounding the church’s response to gay marriage and homosexuality, I recommend that you continue to treat your co-worker with the basic respect that God expects us to show our fellow man. The fact that she has not shared her sexuality with you in two years of association indicates that she is concerned about your reaction. Remember that this lady knows that you profess Christ, so she will closely observe your response to her invitation and how you treat her from this point forward. While you are in no way obligated to attend her wedding, you must continue to treat her as a competent fellow employee. Your relationship with her is a professional one and should remain that way. As a Christian, simply trust God to provide opportunities to share Christ with her in ways that will be the most beneficial for her where she is in her life. If she asks you why you can’t attend the wedding, respond honestly indicating that, while you respect her decisions that, attending the wedding would be in contrast to how you choose to carry out your religious beliefs.
Meditative Scriptures: Matthew 19:17-19, Romans 13:8-10, Romans 15:1-7
