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Key Bible Verse: Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7).
Bonus Reading:Romans 15:1-6

"I was devastated when I found out about my son," admits Tom Taylor of Philadelphia. "I felt no anger. I was just wiped out, thoroughly flattened. And I felt great revulsion over the physical aspects of Peter's sexual life." In the following months, Tom struggled with thoughts like What would people say about me as a father if they knew about Peter's homosexuality? At that point, Tom felt convicted that he was more worried about his own reputation than about loving his son. It took a full three years before Tom had a major breakthrough. "While on vacation with my family, I found my heart was changing and I could begin to really love Peter in a far deeper way than I ever had before. I was also able to show love to his partner."

Many men whose fathers never showed affection struggle to demonstrate these traits to their sons. Some fathers think that being too affectionate with their sons will turn them into homosexuals. Actually the exact opposite is true: young boys who are liberally affirmed by their fathers will be less likely to seek affirmation in the arms of other men when they're older.

—Bob Davies in Someone I Love Is Gay

Uncomfortable with a full embrace? Try a hand on your son's shoulder or a quick squeeze with an arm around his shoulder.

Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our natural lives.

C. S. Lewis (British scholar and writer, 20th century)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.

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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.

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