Daily Devotional: Honouring Marriage & Family

Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day. If you have a moment, take some time to read Hebrews 13:1-16 in your preferred Bible translation before continuing here. If you're pressed for time, read the following excerpt and note what resonates with you:

"Keep loving one another as you would family. Be generous with your hospitality, as some have unknowingly entertained angels. Remember those in prison as if you were there with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were in their situation. Honour marriage in all aspects, avoiding infidelity, because God will judge those who are sexually immoral and adulterous. Your life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me".

Some biblical passages subtly echo themes relevant to LGBTQ+ experiences, and Hebrews 13 is one such example.

In the early church, believers were united by shared experiences and a common mission, despite coming from diverse backgrounds—Jews and Gentiles, young and old, wealthy and poor, and a mix of genders and cultures. Christians were initially a persecuted minority, and their connections were often maintained through letters and traveling teachers.

This situation mirrors the LGBTQ+ community today, doesn't it?

Many LGBTQ+ individuals face lack of support from their biological families, making chosen family a crucial tradition. When Hebrews 13 urges us to "keep loving each other like family," it speaks directly to this concept of chosen family.

LGBTQ+ individuals understand this deeply. We often open our homes to those seeking refuge, whether they're escaping difficult situations or newly coming out. It's common for LGBTQ+ people to have experienced staying with friends or offering shelter to others in need.

Unfortunately, the Bible has often been used to marginalise LGBTQ+ people, especially when it comes to concepts like marriage, which many mistakenly interpret as exclusively heterosexual. The writer of Hebrews may not have envisioned modern queer relationships, but that doesn't diminish our presence or relevance.

The call to "honour marriage in every respect" applies to LGBTQ+ Christians as well. While no one or relationship is perfect, LGBTQ+ people take our commitments seriously. Historically, our relationships have faced stigma and legal barriers, yet we've continued to value and honour them deeply.

LGBTQ+ relationships come in many forms—legal marriages, civil partnerships, queer platonic friendships, blended families, and more. Despite the variety, what unites us is the seriousness with which we approach our relationships, often in the face of societal opposition.

For centuries, LGBTQ+ individuals have risked much to affirm our relationships and have created our own ceremonies and traditions when mainstream society would not. This passage doesn't specify that marriage must be heterosexual or monogamous; it emphasises honouring the commitment to your partner(s).

Our families and relationships, formed not out of obligation but through intentional choice, are a testament to the divine community and commitment.

Reflection Questions:

If you're LGBTQ+, what can your straight, cisgender friends and family learn from your approach to relationships?

If you're straight and cisgender, what have you learned about relationships from the LGBTQ+ people in your life?

Practical Exercises:

If you're in a relationship, take some time with your partner to discuss and write down your commitments to each other, no matter the nature or stage of your relationship.

Express your love to your friends.

Host a dinner party and, if you're comfortable, invite friends to bring someone you haven’t met yet.

Explore QueerTheology.com’s online workshops on Faithful Sexuality or Christianity & Polyamory to gain insights into how queer relationships reflect divine principles.

That concludes today's devotional! I hope this message has brought a positive spark to your day. If you found it meaningful, please consider sharing it to spread the message. Thank you for joining us today, and remember to celebrate your unique self! Stay healthy, keep a positive mindset, and see you next time!

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of Concluding Exhortations). Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-16

Image Title: "Celestial Hospitality" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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