Quote:
Originally Posted by antonyh
Bear One Another’s Burdens
14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which* the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For* neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.* Amen.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BenL
Paul's ending to Galatians summarizes everything that's important to Christians. For me "circumcision" stands for all the regulations of society or the church that get in the way of being united with the Divine Love. Did Paul have the stigmata? Maybe. What's more important is that he is "branded" with the marks of crucifixion in the new creation of ultimate freedom.
Take heart. Don't sweat the small stuff. Look to God. Unite yourself with the divine in God's love.
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I forget who said it, but I read somewhere where they said the most political thing one can do is come out, or words to that effect. The above quote from Galations where it says "a new creation is everything", gives me hope that being a new creation in Christ through whom my sexuality is affirmed and accepted can help to bolster the coming out process.
I like what Ben said about circumcision standing for the regulations of society and the church that get in the way of union with the Divine Love. It made me think about what Galatians says about the world being crucified to me and I to the world through the Cross. To me, in addition to overcoming society's regulations about being glbt, it could also mean overcoming my own inner struggles through Christ and feeling freer to be myself, wether through coming out to someone or just in general. Hope that all made sense! Sometimes I confuse myself, lol!
Well, peace to everyone!
Jason