To The Eagle:

The letter from last week’s editorial really burdened my soul.

The writer stated that Cathlamet was “doing something immoral and disgusting by allowing the PFLAG (gay/lesbian) group to participate in the Bald Eagle Day parade, spreading gay and lesbian filth.” He asked, “When are Christians going to take a stand for the truth?”

First of all, I am willing to take a stand and state that I am a Christian. What that means to me is that I believe in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, having died and was raised from the dead as a perfect sacrifice for my sins. But what it doesn’t mean is that I can judge others. Only God can do that. I’m commanded to do two things in this life: Love God and love others. Loving without judgment and hatred, instead, with compassion and humility.

In John 8:7, Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Whoever has never sinned can throw the first stone” when they bring to him a woman caught in the act of adultery and want Jesus to decide what punishment she should receive. Everyone left the scene. In Matthew 7:1, while Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount, he says, “Don‘t judge other people or you will be judged.” He further says, “Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the big piece of wood in your own eye?…You hypocrite! First take the wood out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye.”

I read Galatians 5:19-21 and realize that I’m guilty of many of the described “acts of the sinful nature,” as we all are. So how can we point fingers at others while we are sinners ourselves?

God hates hypocritical, judgmental attitudes that tear others down to build oneself up. Sometimes, we “Christians” do that by condemning others and it’s a sin. While I do not condone gay and lesbian lifestyles, I am called to reach out and minister to those different than me and help carry their burdens. I strive to love unconditionally and compassionately because that’s what Jesus does for us--all of us. To me, that’s what a Christian really is.

I’m ashamed by such “Christian” allegations, and I, for one, ask for forgiveness for those who feel justified, hurting others by those types of statements.

Sandi Hendrickson

Puget Island