What kind of marriage do you prefer?

My thoughts on same sex marriage are simple: it is now legal on a national level, so let’s make the best of it. 

I was not ever in favor of legalizing gay marriage. I support what I believe to be God’s central units for His plan of Salvation to be the Higher Law. He clearly states in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that “THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.” I also understand that others don’t understand doctrine revealed since the restoration of the Church. As widespread the efforts of the missionaries, not all listen. 

Despite my feelings about the legalization of sam-sex marriage I know that it is now law and it will remain the law of the land. I think we as citizens of the United States, and as Christians we need to do as our Savior would and love all. We don’t need to like same sex marriage; we don’t even need to feel okay about it but we need to love all of our friends, family and strangers who have a different sexual orientation than we do. 

One of my best friends, Stephen told me he struggles with same sex attraction roughly three years ago. He told me how difficult it is to try to force himself to find women attractive and the constant shame he feels about being unable to do so. He helped me understand it better when he asked me to try to find men sexually attractive. I’ll be honest here, I tried and I had no clue where to even start. I can’t imagine any degree of will power is going to help my dear friend feel any differently. He told me that I was one of the first people he ever told. He expressed that he thought that I was going to be understanding but felt incredibly nervous and ashamed. I listened to him and told him that nothing he said could make me love him any less. I gave him a hug and told him I would be there for him. 

While talking with my friend, I felt the overwhelming presence of the Spirit. I know that while listening to Stephen talk about his natural urges and struggles that Jesus Christ was supporting me. I know that even though same sex marriage is now legal, right or wrong, we must refrain from casting judgement, treating same sex couples differently or making assumptions about what kind of people they are. I know that sam sex attraction is very real. I know that those who struggle with same sex attraction are also children of God. They are our brothers and sisters and they deserve as much love, consideration and friendship that we give to anyone else.