1 of 1

Key Bible Verse: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Bonus Reading:2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2

A counselor suggested that I write a letter to my [homosexual] son Derek," recalled one father. "It was very hard for me. But I sat down and wrote out my honest thoughts about how I was feeling. I told Derek about my own background. When I was a child, my dad did shift work and labored long hours. His direct involvement with me was nil, but it didn't bother me. I knew he loved me. I've also had to work shifts with lots of overtime, so I wasn't there for my son. But working was my way of showing him love.

It had worked for me, and it seemed fine with my other kids. But it was a problem for Derek, and I had to accept that."

A few months later, Derek went home for a visit. He and his father sat down for a long talk. "There were a lot of tears and hugging," this father says. "I told him, 'You're my son and I love you, no matter what.' My son said he forgave me for any mistakes in the past, and I could tell he really meant it. I was walking on cloud nine when we finished."

—Bob Davies in Someone I Love Is Gay

Is your love for your son conditional, dependent on his behavior, or unconditional?

Unconditional love is the basis for every parenting decision and action. It is the driving force behind all discipline.

Ray Guarendi (psychologist) Adapted from Anita Worthen, Someone I Love Is Gay (InterVarsity, 1996).

NOTE: For your convenience, Someone I Love Is Gay is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

 1 of 1

Prayer for the Week

God, I need Your help to understand myself and others. Help me to believe You are always loving, always accepting of all sinners, even me.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help