Franklin Graham: Love gays and lesbians

BOONE, N.C. (Christian Examiner) -- Love gays and lesbians was the message Franklin Graham had for his Facebook followers.

Most days the evangelist can be found using Facebook to platform his Gospel message, inform about his ministry Samaritan's Purse, and share an evangelical perspective on current issues. On March 10 he addressed the "gay and lesbian community" directly and emphasized God's love covers all sin.

On the post he wrote, "A recent news report shows Islamists throwing gays off rooftops and then stoning them when they hit the ground. Does this sound like a peaceful religion to you, as the president has said?"

Graham's comment was a reference to a graphic CNN news report that showed ISIS throwing men accused of being gay off of buildings then beating and stoning them to death. According to the news source, there are at least six additional instances.

Though he clearly stated he did not support the homosexual lifestyle, he also clearly expressed his love and God's love for the LGBT community.

"I do not support the gay and lesbian lifestyle--I believe homosexuality is a sin as the Bible teaches. But I love gay and lesbian people, and I want them to know that God loves them too."

Graham further clarified that God's is eager to embrace anyone who turns to Christ's cross and away from sin.

"He (God) is willing and eager to forgive sin—all sin—however we must repent and turn from our sin and believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Graham's followers seemed receptive to his encouragement to love your gay neighbor.

The post was liked by 117,105 followers and shared over 20,000 times. Among the 6,000 who commented, many thanked the evangelical leader for sharing the message of Christian love to "hate the sin and love the sinner."