The Truth About Homosexuality (Part 2)
As I noted yesterday, the Bible is quite clear in categorizing homosexuality and lesbianism as sin, contrary to God’s command and intent in creation. But how are we to relate to those who engage in this sin and those who are sympathetic to it?
First, it is important for Christians to remember that while homosexual acts are sinful, those who practice this sin are not beyond redemption. First Corinthians 6:9-10 includes homosexuality among the list of sins that will bar a person from the kingdom of God. This list includes other sexual sin, idolatry, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, and others. However, verse 11 goes on to say that some of the Corinthians used to be numbered among these sinners, but have been washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit of God. In layman’s terms, they had been saved. This is a hopeful verse. All of these sins can be forgiven. That fact should lead us as believers to recognize that homosexuals, like all of us, are not beyond the reach of the gospel. Our foremost concern in dealing with this matter is that those trapped in it are redeemed.
Someone asks, But isn’t homosexuality an especially heinous sin? After all the Bible calls it an abomination. My answer: Yes, it is a detestable sin. It is not, however, unforgivable. The Bible does call homosexuality an abomination, but it also gives that label to other sins: Idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25; 27:15), a false balance or scale (Proverbs 11:1), lying lips (Proverbs 12:22), and pride (Proverbs 16:5).
Make no mistake, anyone who takes the Bible seriously has to stand opposed to the homosexual lifestyle. That opposition, however, should not include hatefulness, name-calling, or physical attacks. We must instead take a redemptive tack, seeking to reach even those deceived by this sin for Christ.
Exactly what this looks like will differ some based on personalities and gifts. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of seeing several people leave this lifestyle and find hope and help in Christ. In those cases, it has never been the result of preaching harder and louder against their sin. It has in every case been the result of humble, compassionate love demonstrated by sincere believers.
Years ago, when I questioned my daughter about the wisdom of her friendship with a very “out and proud” gay boy at school, she said, “Dad, if I don’t love him, who will?” I’ve never forgotten that question. When he later left the lifestyle, eventually marrying a young woman, he credited his “crazy Christian friend” with showing him the way. It can happen. It will happen when we reach out in Christ’s love.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Great post, but it leaves me with a couple of thoughts. Yes, homosexuality is a sin. As you you posted, the bible is very clear on that one. But it often saddens me to see how the church treats homosexuals as opposed to the rest of us. Who can stand and say they are not, or have ever been guilty of lying lips, or pride? Yet many Christians pin a stigma on homosexuals that is a result of their own opinions and feelings. The result of this is many homosexuals are jaded against the church, and as a result will never get to really know Christ teachings. I know my own sinful habits could not have been brought under control without the Holy Spirit guiding me and convicting me. And even now, when temptation seems to be getting the better of me, I know I have brothers and sisters in Christ who I can talk to and count on for support in moving past it. Would they treat me the same if I were struggling with homosexual urges?
I think its futile to hurl quotes from the scripture at secular culture to show them that their acts are wrong. After all, we are holding them to a standard that they do not value or believe really exist. We should treat them with love and understanding (this does not mean acceptance of their lifestyle, as understanding does not equal acceptance), welcome them into our churches and social groups were we can pray for them, answer their questions and help them to REALLY learn who Christ is. Their sin may be different than you and I, but they are no different than I was before I knew Christ love.