This post (like my entire blog) is intended for Christ-following people who believe the God of the Bible. If you don’t place yourself in that category, you’re welcome to continue reading. [How could I stop you, after all? :)] But my goal is to approach this matter from the perspective of one who wants to follow Jesus Christ in this and every aspect of life.
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WWJD?
Remember that trendy little saying that used to appear everywhere?
An acronym for “What would Jesus do?” many don’t realize that this phrase came from the excellent little 19th century book In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. And it’s still a great question for us to consider today.
What would Jesus say…
to a homosexual?
And how might this question shape the Christian view of homosexuality?
“We can’t know what Jesus would say,” many protest. “He never addressed homosexuality.”
One could make this statement about a lot of things.
After all, Jesus never addresses the internet. Or the pornography we find there.
He doesn’t tell us what to wear to the beach.
He doesn’t mention what programs to watch on Friday nights.
Or what movies we should avoid.
He didn’t even address pedophilia.
Or bestiality.
But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t care about any of those things.
And guess what?
God makes a powerful statement in 2 Peter 1:3 when He says: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.”
Christ-followers have absolutely everything we need to be able to make discerning, godly decisions. God’s Word is complete, bearing principles that clarify every aspect of life and godliness. And we apply those principles rightly as we rely on His leading through His Spirit within us.
So before we consider what Jesus would say to a homosexual, please allow me to point out a couple of lies that are widely purported in our modern times:
LIE #1 – Jesus’ teachings carry more weight than the rest of Scripture.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Jesus Himself said that He didn’t come to abolish the Law and the prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He often quoted directly from the Old Testament, confirming its authority. He never, ever contradicted it. Ever.
In fact, He took the Law that was so focused on our actions – what we do that defies God and what we must do to restore that relationship – and He started it applying it to our hearts. Our innermost thoughts. The deepest, darkest, most secretive ones that we deceive ourselves into thinking don’t really matter.
When the religious leaders of the day resisted this application, He rebuked them harshly, pointing out that they worshipped Him with their mouths, but their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8).
But get this important distinction: following the Law isn’t what earned His rebuke. His problem was that they limited their worship to their actions, divorcing it from their hearts, and thus ignoring the heart of God altogether.
We must look to the entirety of Scripture to find God’s heart. And the truth is, He splays it pretty openly.
LIE #2 – If Jesus didn’t speak of a specific issue addressed in the Old Testament, it must be obsolete.
One thing that’s easy for us to forget in this 21st century is that Jesus’ primary ministry was with people who were already very familiar with the Law and generally obedient to it.
That’s a really important point. Because rather than assuming that Jesus’ silence about some aspect of Old Testament moral law (as opposed to the civil or ceremonial ones) negates it, we should assume that His silence confirms it.
The Sermon on the Mount, for example, shows how Jesus challenged some of the prevailing religious thoughts of His day. Wouldn’t it have been easy to include homosexuality in this discussion, if His audience’s thinking needed to be realigned with God’s heart?
Perhaps it would’ve sounded something like this: “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. It is an abomination.’ I say to you, affectionate feelings are to be celebrated, no matter the genders of the parties involved.”
But this never happened. The natural implication of which is that Jesus was in agreement that homosexual practice is an abomination.
There’s much more to be said about why homosexual practice is sinful. But since I’m not a fan of reinventing wheels, I’ll point you toward this article which handles the issue pretty thoroughly.
Based on the entirety of God’s Word, here’s what Jesus says to sinners – with no respect to age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation.
A Christian View of Homosexuality
1.)”I love you.”
He doesn’t lower his eyes and look away with awkwardness. He doesn’t sneer at you with disgust and then spit on the ground.
He meets your gaze steadfastly, looking at you with tenderness.
He’s the One crying out to His Father on your behalf, hanging on the cross you deserved, paying the debt you owed (John 3:16, Colossians 2:13-15).
2.)”You are so much more than your fleshly desires.”
He says this to prostitutes and porn addicts.
He says it to drunks and to gluttons.
He says it to adulterers and to promiscuous teens and twenty-somethings.
He says it to anger addicts and compulsive liars.
He even says it to not-so-young unfulfilled women whose lustful thoughts are thus far just that – thoughts.
And yes, he says it to homosexuals, too.
And yes, he says it to homosexuals, too.He beckons you not to get swept up in the “gay rights” movement.
He urges you not to be deceived into thinking that sexual immorality isn’t so bad just because everyone else is doing it.
He exhorts you to understand that a lustful thought is no less a perversion than a lifestyle full of immoral deeds.
He implores you to trade in your food and your drink and your sex and every other vain attempt to find fulfillment for the Bread of life and Living Water (John 4:13-14; 6:35). And there you’ll be satisfied.
3.)”I’m coming to your house today.” (Luke 19:5)
He wants to be with you (Mark 3:14). He wants your fellowship. He enjoys your company, and He does more than love you…He likes you. You don’t have to clean up before coming to Him. In fact, He’ll come to you just the way you are. All you have to do is receive Him, and He’ll take care of the rest.
4.)”Get up, pick up your bed, and walk.” (John 5:8)
Don’t rely on what you think you know about yourself. Don’t rely on what popular opinion says. Don’t rely on the latest medical research, or your common sense, or even your past experience. And for heaven’s sake, your feelings are the worst guide ever (Jeremiah 17:9).
God is the One who made you, and He knows all about you (Psalm 139). He will equip you to do whatever He’s asking you to do.
But you have to believe that He’s strong enough to be able to, and kind enough to want to. You have to trust that He doesn’t issue mandates for your harm, but for your good.
Have faith that He can do the impossible in your life; believe in Him, and you’ll witness the miraculous.
5.)”Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Once He comes to you and you have a taste of the sweetness of divine relationship, He lets you know that He loves you far too much to let you stay as you are.
This is true no matter your orientation.
No matter your addictions.
No matter what sin has ensnared you in its grip.
The power of the gospel is that we are considered righteous before God, and we’re free to pursue holiness in our daily lives (Hebrews 10:14).
What does this mean for Christians?
We’ve acknowledged that homosexuality is a sin, and we’ve considered what Jesus says to sinners. But what should we sinners say to our fellow sinners, including homosexuals? Click here to read the follow-up post, where I explore this very timely topic.
Take the Challenge!
Are you a Christian who longs for spiritual victory and wants to grow in holiness? I want to come alongside you and support you in your quest for purity. That’s why I created a FREE 21-day email challenge called Praying the Scriptures for Purity. You can get more information and sign up here.
Thank you for your post. Your God – given insight is so helpful. It succinctly states what I want to express about this issue. I will keep it close for reference.
Thank you, Bob. I’m glad you found some helpful truth here. Please pray for me this weekend as I finish Monday’s post! I’ll be delving into the subject of how we Christians should interact with practicing homosexuals. Thank you for being a faithful reader and encourager!
Jennifer, this is soooooo good. It is loving truth about humanity, not just about homosexuality. There is so much in here that is applicable to everyone. Thank you.
I wasn’t lying earlier when I said I wrote this with much trembling. 😉 Seeing this comment come through this morning was such a boost to my spirits; I value your gracious approach combined with your devoted commitment to God’s Word. I’m so blessed to know you!
This is a brave topic to address. You did it well. I agree. I think we need to Jesus would first of all say, I love you. And sin is sin. We all need Jesus.
It’s not really one I planned to address, Dawn, but I sensed a definite and relentless urging that I couldn’t deny. I hesitated for quite a while before pressing “publish,” before God reminded me of the truth of Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the approval of God, or of man? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Thank you for stopping by, and for your encouragement!
Perfectly said in every way.
Welcome, Susan! Thank you for stopping by, and for your kindness.
GREAT POST! We have three homosexual family members and it can be a very hard topic to approach with clear vision. We have gay haters in our churches and those who don’t even want to deal with the topic, but we have to because we will be seeing more and more homosexuality in the next generation. I think you are absolutely correct in every point. Thank you so much for writing on this topic. We have learned over the past few years where we stand and what Christ would have us do. It has not been easy, but we are gaining more understanding and love than ever before. I pray that Christ will give Christians great wisdom and love as we deal with sin in general, but specifically as we win the lost for Christ!! Much love to you!
It’s such a complex issue, isn’t it, Valerie? Tensions run high on both sides of this issue, and arguments abound. I appreciate one of your closing statements that it’s really about winning the lost for Christ. That’s one of the themes I plan to include in Monday’s post about how we should interact with practicing homosexuals. I so appreciate our relationship as sisters in Christ, and as friends!
Thank you for this. Such a needed word. I agree, this is a complex issue and we in the church must talk about it.
In His Steps is one of my very favorite books. You shared grace here in this, I appreciate that. Having people in my life who have chosen an alternative lifestyle has been a very revealing life lesson. There has never been a question of if I agree or support their choices, they know. The only thing that has been asked is if I still love them. It broke my heart to hear the asking, but like the first response of Jesus you shared above, I was reminded that Love covers a multitude of sins, and love, like grace, is not based on works.
They know how I feel, what I believe, and what I would say if asked. Yet they didn’t know if I could still love them and the Lord opened a door to show compassion and ultimately an invitation.
Blessings,
Dawn
What a blessing to be able to allow God’s love to flow through you. Because really, that’s what draws us all to Him. His love. Thank you for sharing from your experience here. It’s very meaningful!
I appreciate your take on this uncomfortable topic. I however, would like to point out one thing. At the beginning of this blog you stated, “Jesus never addressed homosexuality.”…….
I do not agree with you on this. I believe he did through Paul. It is plainly written in KJV of Romans 1:24-31;
24 “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature;
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly…”
28 “….God gave them over to reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness……
31 ….without natural affection…..”
I am by no means saying you did not write a great and informative blog on this subject. I just wanted to point out to you that Jesus did have something to say about homosexual acts whether it came from his own mouth or through the God inspired writings of Paul in the new testament.
Hi, Dianna, and welcome! I agree with you – because God and Jesus are one and the same Person (John 10:30), many Christ-followers understand the truth that Jesus did in fact address homosexuality throughout the Bible, including the passage you cited in Romans. Many people who aren’t Christ-followers, however, point to Jesus’ silence on the subject when he was “God incarnate,” walking the earth. The gospels don’t recount any instances in which Jesus directly condemned homosexuality, and unbelievers use this silence to weaken the argument of Christians who believe that homosexuality is sinful. I hope that what I shared in this article clarifies why this doesn’t have to be the case. Thanks so much for sharing this important point!
Thank you for reading, Arabah, and for sharing this burden with me.
While I respect your opinion, you do realize modern science has proved homosexuality is not a choice right? It’s a genetic predisposition. If it’s not a choice, how can it be a sin?
Hi, Brittany, and welcome! Thank you for posing this difficult and important question. I will be up front and say that I don’t know enough about science to make that call. I’ve read articles that confirm what you say – that homosexuality is a genetic predisposition. But I’ve also read information that seems to contradict this idea – such as instances where one person in a pair of identical twins is homosexual and the other is not.
Full disclosure: my only point of reference here is the Bible. And according to the Bible, a definitive answer to the question you raised is unnecessary. Because every single person is predisposed to sin. Homosexual sin, heterosexual sin, and sin that doesn’t have anything at all to do with sex. There are a huge variety of sinful tendencies – I have plenty of these tendencies myself that I label “sin” in just the same way I call homosexual practice “sin.” And we have these tendencies not because that’s God’s design, but because we are inheritors of a sin nature, and are living in a fallen world.
I tried to carefully use the phrase “homosexual practice” because I believe God’s Word teaches the practice of homosexuality is sinful, in the same way the practice of heterosexual sex outside of marriage is sinful. But I don’t believe that the homosexual orientation in and of itself is sinful. I hope this clarifies my position – it’s one that’s admittedly based on God’s Word alone.
Thanks for your honest answer.
I am a Christian. I am a child of God. And I am gay. Believe me when I say homosexuality is not a choice. I struggled for 34 years because I didn’t want to be gay. Then, on April 23, 2009 I had a spiritual awakening after attempting suicide because of my shame. God spoke very clear to my heart that He made me, loved me and He didn’t want me to die. I hear what you say in this article and I understand why you have this point of view. It was my struggle as well – the one that nearly cost me my life. All I know is I have a very intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father, and I know His love for me is boundless. I also know I have an eternal life waiting for me. That’s what I know. I was born this way. Just like I was born with a broken kidney and brown eyes. I did not choose who I am – He did. I hope this gives some insight.
Hi, Michelle! I’m glad you stopped by and I appreciate your taking the time to share your point of view. Thank you for doing so with kindness and respect. I think these kinds of conversations can be challenging to engage in online, because the written word sometimes fails at conveying the tone of the writer. So let me preface my comments by saying that I’m so thankful that your suicide attempt was not successful, and that God intervened in your life. He certainly doesn’t want people He made and loves to bear up under the burden of shame; He knows that burden is too great for us, and it’s why He sacrificed His Son. I have nothing but love and high regard for you, and I hope that what I have to say reflects those things.
I believe you when you say that homosexual tendencies are not a choice, and that you were born that way. I don’t doubt for a minute that God spoke His love over you, that He made you, and that He doesn’t want you to die. But none of those statements conflict with what I wrote in this post.
As a Bible-believing Christian, I am compelled to uphold God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth and the only infallible measure for everything in life. This means that my experience and the experiences of others are filtered through a biblical lens, as are logic, reasoning, and even science.
I’d like to share which biblical passages shape my view of this topic, if you’d like to read it. If so, please let me know by replying to this comment.
Jennifer, thank you for being brave. Most pull back and refuse to go to the difficult places. Sometimes out of ignorance and sometimes out of fear.
With a sister who has embraced being homosexual it has challenged me to the core. However, I know one thing for certain, she needs to know that I love her unconditionally before I expect her to understand God’s unconditional love.
It is just a hard place to visit and we must pray for those deceived and who can’t believe that they can surrender that sin at the cross and be redeemed!
Bless your brave soul!
Hi, Kimberly! Thank you so much for your encouragement. This is not a post I wanted to write all that much. :/ But the Holy Spirit nudged persistently, and I couldn’t deny Him.
You’re so right that your sister needs your unconditional love. I’m so happy she has you in her life – she’s very blessed! And you’re spot on when you say that we must pray, lifting our loved ones to the One who can change the hearts of all types of sinners. I hope you’ll stop by again on Monday, when I address how we Christ-followers should interact with homosexuals; I bet you’ll have valuable insight to share then, too. I would also appreciate your prayers as I finish that post. Blessings, friend!
A VERY brave post…and I applaud you entirely for having the guts to explain the biblical truths here. You just got yourself a new fan on here 🙂
Hi, Ashley, and welcome! Thank you for your support, and for realizing my desire to seek out what the Bible really has to say. Heading over to check out your blog now! 🙂
I love your grace. I love your heart because the truth is I can’t stand the gay hate. I so resonate with you that we are called to love. If hearts are to be changed or led to follow Him and His Word, God changes them–not us. We are called to be humble, lovers of His people, cross-bearers, disciples, professors of the Word, and providers of needs. We must love. Period. Praying for you, as you entered scalding waters here, but He is glorified as you carry His mission to love. Nothing about your post is polarizing…you carry the message that all are forgiven by God, loved by God, included in His Kingdom–when they seek, accept, and trust Him. The dividing point isn’t any particular issue–just whether the heart wants Him or not and is willing to be transformed by His grace more into His image. Blessings and much love!
It’s clear that you feel my heart here, and that you share it. Thank you, and bless you, friend.
Thank you for this post. I could not agree more with every point. The answer to everything in life is the same…Jesus. We try to make it harder than that. But ultimately it’s about surrender. My son is living a homosexual lifestyle and it has rocked our world but deepened our trust in Christ. I believe in the same way someone born with a predisposition to alcoholism or infidelity, homosexuals must deny their flesh and be born again. That’s what Jesus meant when He said we must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. It gives us new vision. I was born with a bend towards infidelity, and it almost ruined my marriage, but I have been called to righteousness and FIDELITY. Does that mean I never have temptations or thoughts trying to pull me back into that sin? I absolutely do, but I have been born again and am a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17 God is so much bigger than our sin and He has a better plan! Thank you for your courage on this difficult topic!
You’ve spoken so wisely, Gretchen – I agree wholeheartedly with your point about all of us being predisposed to sin. This understanding is key for two reasons: it grants us compassion toward the homosexual, while at the same time removing a common excuse for homosexual sin. Thank you for your encouragement and for sharing from your own experience. I have taken some time to pray for your son and for you and the rest of your family; he is surely blessed to have a loving, praying, godly mother like you.
I am studying the bible with someone who is homosexual. She sees clearly that the bible says its wrong. But she is battling to understand why God would forbid it. If anyone has answers, that would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, Judith! Thanks so much for your comment. I praise the Lord for this relationship you have with someone who is willing to seek God’s truth with sincerity. I will pray for you in this important God-ordained task, and for her, that God would open her eyes to see Him for who He is.
To answer your question, at least in part, I would say that God is the creator of the universe, the earth, the sky, and all that is in them. He created man and woman, and He did so with a particular design, with our bodies to function in a particular way, including sexual function and reproduction within the marriage relationship between one man and one woman. The sin of homosexuality defies God’s created design (as does all manner of sexual sin, including but not limited to lust, adultery, premarital sex, and pornography). Sexual sin is, in essence, those who are created (mankind) shaking our collective fists in the Creator’s face, telling Him that His design is terribly flawed and that we can do better ourselves. This is why sexual sin is called “perversion” – not just homosexuality, but ALL sexual sin, because it takes what God has created and distorts it from the original intention.
Are you familiar with the writing of Rosaria Butterfield? She is a strong believer and a very articulate woman who was a practicing homosexual before she became a believer. She has written articles published online that can be found through a quick Google search, and she has also published books, as well. Her perspective would probably be very helpful to you, and perhaps also to your friend.
So very well put with compassion and truth. I found myself saying Yes! Yes! Yes! As I read it! Beautiful, thoughtful, loving.
Thank you, Debbie. You encourage me and humble me. Glory to God!
Thanks for starting this conversation. It is much needed.
I have a gay brother. Our family has been chastised by other Christians for having him and his partner over for dinner, etc. We feel that we have shared Christ with them much more by being hospitable than we ever would have by telling them about their sin issues.
A topic I would like discussed in Christian circles is how we are to deal with the new wedding issues entering our society. Our family is in several businesses which cater to weddings (photography, harp, and event center). We are trying to understand how to love like Jesus did, but not beautify something that is against God’s design for marriage. Such a difficult era we live in!
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You did great covering this topic. And although I am not a homosexual, I feel a lot of what you wrote was great for me. And I am going to keep coming back to this as a reference. I’ve gone through a lot, currently am going through a lot, and I have sinned a lot. I need to renew my mind. God is faithful. Thank you!
God does address homosexuality and he addresses beastuality. And the proverbs 31 woman tells us how to dress. Modestly but make sure you look nice
Hi, Koko, and welcome! You’re exactly right. God does address these matters very explicitly in His Word. My point was that Jesus Christ did not speak directly to these matters when He was here on earth. Some people claim that since Jesus didn’t address homosexuality, it must not be a very important issue. I disagree with this idea completely, for the precise reason you stated: while the Bible might not record Jesus speaking about these topics, the entirety of God’s Word has much to say about them. I hope this clarifies my position. Thanks so much for reading, and for getting in touch!
This is a great article! I think you have addressed this issue so well. It also really applies to anyone…because after all we are all sinners, just that we sin differently. Jesus loves us all anyway!
Hi, KC! You’re exactly right – how we approach the sin of homosexual practice is no different from how we should be approaching all sin. Thank you for reading, and for your encouragement!
Jennifer, I appreciate the integrity and grace with which you have addressed this controversial topic. I think the biblical context you gave to this issue is so very important – and an angle that is not often discussed! Thank your for your faithfulness to the Lord!
Jen 🙂
Hi, Jen! I appreciate your support so much. Thank you for your kind words, and for your friendship!
How will you separate the water from the milk, is it possible? but the Bible stands firm and says What is what and What is not! I was reading it with fear but what courageous post, Great, Praise your God in Heaven, Who simply Loves more and more, Appreciate your posting and God Bless. Thank You!
Thank you for your kind words, Joshua. May God bless you!
What a beautifully written post! I believe this post addresses this topic exactly the way Jesus would want us to discuss it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so wisely.
Thank you, Tina. I appreciate your support on this hot topic. Once we get past the commonly-held idea that homosexuality is somehow worse than others, a complicated issue becomes simpler. How thankful I am for the Word of God! Without it, we could never navigate through the issues we face.
It was so encouraging to read your post and hear from another Christian share their heart on this topic.We found out the beginning of this year our 17 year old is gay.It was really hard..and when I prayed and asked God what to do I felt like He told me to love him.And not that I didn’t but love him for who he was…gay and all.God has opened my eyes and heart about this.And I know only God can change his heart.And I know God loves him more than I do and will not give up on him.I think this has been a sin that has been ignored for to long and not dealt with in our churches.But it needs to be acknowledged….so again I thank you for taking the stand.I will be praying for you.Please pray for my family too,and me that I will know what God wants me to do with this new insight that I have now.
Bless you, Nicole. How blessed your son is to have a godly mother in his life! He may not realize it now, but he’s reaping the benefit of it nonetheless. I know well the peace that comes when we remember that God loves our children even more than we do. I will stop right now and pray for you, for your son, and for the rest of your family as you work through this matter together. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective, and for letting me know that this post encouraged you. Please keep me posted of other ways I can be praying for you!
thank you so much for your prayers.I’m so glad the Holy Spirit led me to your post.
I’m glad, too, Nicole. 🙂 Continuing in prayer for you and your family.
you wrote so beautifully & sensitively & courageously : )
Thank you for your kindness and encouragement to me. It urges me on in a powerful way. <3
You addressed this issue with much grace and wisdom. I can tell you were led by the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Maureen. You’ve very kind and I appreciate your encouragement. I pray for more of that grace and wisdom that Christ’s church desperately needs in these times!
I have enjoyed reading your posts. This one is particularly well written filled with the spirit of God. Thank you!
Thank you, Susan. Your kind encouragement means so much!
I am blessed to have found this link on Pinterest! Tears of joy flowed as when reading your thoughtful and loving words. I am reminded of 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I pray that God continually blesses you for your faithful service!
Sincerely, Cynthia Marks
Thank you, Cynthia, for stopping by and for sharing this kind encouragement! I’m so glad this post was a blessing to you. I pray that through it, many Christ-followers are exhorted toward demonstrating loving truth and truthful love.
I als found this on Pinterest, and would say it is not coincidental that I found it either, God-incidental. I have had a lot of problems dealing with this subject and it has caused me a lot of heart ache from family. I was raised Reformast, and have had troubles ever since because it taught me to look at the bible as the absolute end of the argument, no ifs or buts. If the Bible said something was wrong, then it was wrong, stay away from that sinner have nothing to do with them. I am now struggling with what you say. I believe in love the sinner and hate the sin, but find it really hard to. Separate the two in the case of homosexuality. Please pray for me as I sort through what is is true and what is not. Thank you.
Hello, Elaine, and welcome! I’m so glad that God used Pinterest to cross our paths. 🙂 It encourages me to know that this post blessed you, and I will pray for you as God continues to help you think through this matter.
I want you to know that I absolutely agree with you that if the Bible says something is wrong, it’s wrong – no ifs, ands, or buts. The Bible is the single source of absolute truth, and I hold it in the highest esteem. But I’d like to challenge you to consider whether it’s truly biblical to stay away from sinners and have nothing to do with them. Jesus Himself was called a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19), and while we must be cautious to avoid being lured into sin ourselves, I do think Jesus intends for us to follow His example in engaging with sinners for the purpose of pointing them toward Him.
Thank you for reading so thoughtfully, and for sharing your heart. Please do stay in touch and share with me how the Lord continues to work in your life!
I respectfully urge you to read John Shore’s blogs and post…or google him. Are you aware of the mistranslations in the bible?
The Sodom and Gammorah story…he is refering to “rape” and inhospitable people.
Those men weren’t gay…they wanted to rape, humiliate and kill the angels.
Christians, Please Know and Educate yourselves on the correct old greek translations. There is much being written about this. The word homosexual wasn’ t even a word back then yet it s in the Kg James version.
For people in loving, monogamous relationships, there is no sin in that.
I know there is much debate but I hope as the correct translations come to light people will stop the discrimination.
thank you.
Hi, Nancy! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for respectfully engaging in this discussion.
I’ve come across John Shore’s writings before, and based on your encouragement, I took a second look at this article. Unfortunately for him, the second look didn’t yield any more valuable information than the first one did. Take this paragraph, for example:
“Clobber passages were written about same-sex acts between heterosexual persons, and do not address the subject of homosexual acts between a committed gay couple, because the concept of a person being a homosexual did not exist at the time the Bible was written.”
I’m not even sure what that means. If heterosexual people were engaging in same-sex acts, wouldn’t that make them homosexual, or at least bi-sexual? Why would God divinely inspire the writers of His Word to condemn homosexual acts at all? After all, even if the writers weren’t aware of homosexual tendencies in people, God Himself certainly was. It’s a ludicrous idea that we should discard the Bible’s clear and repeated condemnations of homosexual practice just because the concept of a person being a homosexual didn’t exist at the time the Bible was written.
Generally speaking, I unfortunately find John Shore to be one who starts with an agenda and melds God’s Word to suit that agenda. That is not a practice that will ever sway me.
You can find credible resources on the Greek translations here and here.
I also must disagree with your use of the word “discrimination,” which is “unjust or prejudicial treatment.” Perhaps some people discriminate against homosexuals, but simply identifying sexual sin does not equate to discrimination. In this post, I point out that we’re all guilty of sexual sin of some type or other, a statement which is the antithesis of discrimination.
Thank you again for reading, and for contributing to the chat!
just posting to agree with Nancy -as a Christ follower -I do not recognize myself as a Christian which assumes a relationship with the church. I have a relationship with Christ, not with the church- I do not believe that homosexuality is a sin. I believe that the scripture has been misinterpreted and that the words were written regarding rape, molestation and slavery not to regarding longer-term relationships between same gender couples. I also wanted to mention that I don’t see churches confronting couples living together before marriage, interfaith couples, and divorce. But they are pushing gay questions out of the church. Not to mention Christ following transgender teens who love the Lord and are being told that they cannot have a personal relationship with Jesus.
The “church “needs to be educated on LGBT issues before losing hundreds of thousands of families. Families like mine who will continue to love the Lord and to pray and worship at home and with other families but will not participate in worship services because of small mindedness. Which of course also means loss of tithing for the church.
Hi, Barb! Thank you so much for reading, and for taking the time to share your thoughts.
First, I must say that I’m perplexed by this statement: “as a Christ follower – I do not recognize myself as a Christian which assumes a relationship with the church. I have a relationship with Christ, not with the church.” When one becomes a born-again believer, at that time she becomes part of Christ’s Church, with Christ Himself as the Head (Ephesians 1:22), the Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22) and Foundation (I Corinthians 3:9-11). Jesus purchased the Church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), and desires to build it (Matthew 16:18). The Church is also referred to as the Body of Christ (Romans 12, Ephesians 4), with each member contributing to the well-being of the Body.
Perhaps you’re referring to association with a particular local body of believers. While it’s important to contribute to such a congregation (Hebrews 10:24-25), refusal to do so does not exclude a true Christ-follower from membership in His Church.
Regarding your other points, there is a great temptation in these days to legitimize what the Bible has long condemned. This includes homosexuality, as well as other types of sexual sin and even divorce, as you pointed out. I agree with your assessment about the Church’s negligence in these matters, but the solution is not to become more accepting of other areas of sexual sin; the solution is to come before our Lord with humble hearts, asking Him to reveal areas of neglected sins in our lives, and to then turn away from those sins in repentance. My own local church takes a very firm stance on all matters of sin, which is as it should be.
I am not a Greek scholar, but I’ve found this link as well as this one to be credible and well-founded in regards to the original Greek uses of words pertaining to homosexuality. The problem is, many people – those who claim to be Christians and those who don’t – will not give credence to sources that do not support their presupposed view: that homosexuality should be embraced and accepted.
Regarding your final point, God’s work will continue with us or without us, and His Word will endure forever. May He grant us both a deeper understanding of His Word, and an ever increasing zeal for it as our sole Source of truth. Thank you for taking the time to enter this conversation, and for doing so respectfully.
This was an awesome post.
Thank you, Valencia! I’m glad it ministered to your heart.
Well can you please explain this to me. I don’t understand and Im confused on this topic:
1 Corinthians 5King James Version (KJV)
5 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Hi, Heather, and welcome! I’m sorry, but I’m not sure I understand your question. Are you asking me to explain this chapter? Or are you asking about whether a certain portion of the chapter relates to homosexuality? Please clarify your question and I’ll do my best to answer.
Thank you so much for sharing, you have been truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. You have shared something very close to many peoples hearts. I for one have never been judgemental about homesexuality. My greatest desire is to have a heart like Jesus and to love the person not the sin. We are all not without sin, some more than others. May God continue to bless you and may the Holy Spirit of God use you to reach His people in a very loving and positive way
Hello, Judy! It’s a pleasure to hear from you. I’m glad this post encouraged you, and that you desire to grow in Christ-likeness. Thank you for your testimony!
Such a fantastic post! I really think you hit the nail on the head when it comes to how Jesus would address someone who is gay or lesbian. He would focus on them and capturing their heart, not condemning them. He would firmly state that He doesn’t agree with it but He probably wouldn’t start there and definitely not stay there.
I’m very encouraged to have stumbled upon your blog via pinterest! I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of your articles with my followers!
Hi, Amanda, and welcome! I’m so glad Pinterest helped our paths to cross. 🙂 May God continue to grant His people wisdom and depth of insight during these difficult days.
Thank you for this. I have a niece who is lesbian and I have been chastised for loving her where she is in life. I loved her before she came out. How can I stop now? My favorite Aunt has stopped talking to me. I have believed from the start that it is not place to judge her but to love her and show her Christ through my ability to love without judgements. She grew up in a Christian home and at one time had a closee relationship to God. Because of judgment and chastisement she will not step foot into a church and has all but denounced God. She lives with me now and her stancr has soften but she is still terrified of people proclaiming to br Christian.
Hi, Brenda, and welcome! Your niece is very blessed to have you in her life, and I believe God has you there for a distinct purpose. You do well to love her and to point her toward the gospel – in big ways and small – at every opportunity. I just took some time to pray for both of you, and I thank you for taking the time to share some of your story with me.
You’re referring to Biblical Hermeneutics or the interpretation of the overall message of the Bible…Christian vegetarians use it to explain ethical Christian veganism, because of the vegan Garden of Eden in Genesis and the bloodless vegetarian paradise in Isaiah where even the lion lays with the lamb. Though Jesus didn’t address it specifically Paul said if anything I eat causes my brother to stumble I will never eat meat again. ..so I certainly hope you don’t eat meat.
I also hope you understand that some parts of the Bible are historical and descriptive rather than prescriptive. But please make sure you stay away from pork, shellfish, and eating cheese with beef (boiling a calf in his mother’s milk) if you love Leviticus.
Hello there, and thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts here. Your perspective is a rather common one, and is the result of a misunderstanding about Old Testament law. Much has been written to correct misunderstandings like this, so rather than reinvent the wheel, I’ll simply point you to this article.
I do love, Leviticus, by the way, as well as the rest of the Bible. My heart echoes the psalmist’s: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:47). I appreciate Jesus’ example of One who was intimately familiar with the Old Testament, and whose own teachings and example are central to the Bible as a whole. Thanks again for stopping by!
Hello Jennifer,
I happened to follow this post from a link on Pinterest. And it really did open my eyes in a lot of ways. No sin is greater than another sin. Let me learn to love people and pray for them.
God bless you, your family that is lucky to have you and your country where you live.
Hi, Joseph, and welcome! I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you. May God allow us to continue growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him!
A great article that I will definitely share❤
Hello, Michelle, and welcome! I’m so glad you were blessed here. Thank you for stopping by, and for taking the time to say hello.
This was timely for me. In our world, we have such polarized opinions (at least in the media) this was the sweet *yet truthful* middle ground that I know most of us are seeking. Thanks for posting this!
Hello, Elaine, and welcome! Thank you for your encouragement, and for hearing my heart. I’m thankful to be a co-laborer with you!
He does address beastiality. Lev. 18:23.
Hi, Rebecca, and welcome! You’re exactly right. God does address this matter very explicitly in His Word. My point was that Jesus Christ did not speak directly to it when He was here on earth. Some people claim that since Jesus didn’t address homosexuality while He was on earth, it must not be a very important issue. I disagree with this idea completely, for the precise reason you stated: while the Bible might not record Jesus speaking about these topics, the entirety of God’s Word has much to say about them. I hope this clarifies my position. Thanks so much for reading, and for getting in touch!
Thank you so much for this post! The trend now seems to be that your aren’t Christian or Christ-like if you aren’t accepting of sin. It is possible to love the sinner and shun the sin. We can be Christ-like as we show love to others by patiently entreating and helping them come back to Him. This world needs us to valiantly stand for truth and righteousness. Not cower because we are afraid to be labeled intolerant.
The sin of homosexuality is breaking the law of chastity. Those beautiful procreative powers are what God sanctioned to bring husband and wife closer together in oneness and to bring His spirit children into this world. When we use that power inappropriately (really His power on loan to us,) it separates us from Him. In a marriage (defined by God, not man) it can become a beautiful selfless thing. Outside of marriage it is desecrating Him in favor or self gratification.
Satan entices us to break the law of chastity through any means because he knows that doing so destroys the family. If we could see what is at stake in our society, the desinegration of the family, maybe we would stand up more and cower less.
In my faith we have what I feel to be an Inspired document on the family called “The Family: A Proclamation to the world.” It was reciently quoted by other faiths at an international symposium on the family. This 20 year old document was ahead of its time, but is sorely needed today. It defines gender rolls in terms of God’s plan for us. It champions chastity and foretells of the calamity that will befall us if we fail to heed the words of the prophets.
Hello, Veronica! I agree that when we defy our Creator’s design, we do so at our peril. Our nation seems intent on rebelling against Him, and I’m praying earnestly for revival and for awakening, that God might have mercy upon us. We certainly don’t deserve it, but I’m entreating Him for it nonetheless. Thank you for reading!
Something important God loves us so much, that He is ready to wash us from our sins.
Be homosexual is like any other sin.
An homosexual is being possessed by a spirit of the darkness. The homosexual only need a deliverance to be set free.
If anyone has a homosexual in their family needs to show love, get closer to guide them to the light.
Please don’t follow the society or judge. It’s just like any other evil spirit, it needs to be rebuke in Jesus’ Name.
“The blood of Jesus has never known defeat,” and where sin abounds, grace abounds more. Thank you for sharing, Adony.
It was really difficult to read this post.
I feel bad for any gays who read this post and I feel it is not an accurate representation of many Christians. I pray that more Christians learn to support gays and show them love rather than telling them their way of life is sinful. What if someone told you that you couldn’t be with your husband? That you couldn’t have children? That your desires and the core of your being is wrong? I am all about taking the Bible as your point of reference. But what about the current world you’re living in? What about the people you are coming in contact with? Do you interpret everything in the Bible word for word without taking into account the context? If you do, then a lot of the things in your life are not consistent with God’s teachings from the Bible. They were THOUSANDS of years ago. You MUST take into account the context. Have you looked at the true Greek and Hebrew words that were translated into the English words and versions of the Bible that you read today? Do you follow EVERYTHING you read in the Bible word for word?? No. No you don’t because they don’t all apply in the same way today. You must take into account your walk with Jesus personally. Pray about these issues on a personal level. The Bible is just words without faith and a conversation with God. It is not a rule book. It is a guide book meant to be used to guide your personal relationship with God. Your attempt to make a “rule” about homosexuality in this post is foolish and frankly, embarrassing for Christians as a community. Who are you to make this judgment? Who are you to call this a sin? Who are you to right the “wrong” in other people’s lives?
I think you might have a very different opinion if you were gay and had feelings and desires you couldn’t change even if you wanted to. If everyone you encountered in your Christian walk saw your life as a sin and tried to change you at the core of your being. If you were rejected by the very group of people who were supposed to love thy neighbor and support you in your walk with Christ.
Ultimately I am disappointed in your attempt to distinguish “right and wrong” and your inability to focus on loving others, EVERYONE. No matter who you are and what you do in your life. We are called to love everyone. Not make judgments about people and their lifestyles. You’ve probably never experienced this living in your perfect little Christian world with your husband and children and a church community you fit so well into. But think twice about those who are different. Those who are struggling. Those who are rejected. As Jesus would.
Hi, Bri! I’ve already addressed some of the issues you brought up in a follow-up post, which you can find here. The post entitled “What Would Jesus Say to a Homosexual?” is just that – a Bible-based approach to considering what Jesus would say to a homosexual, while the follow-up post deals more with how Christ-followers should interact with homosexuals.
I find your comments perplexing overall, because of one significant inconsistency. You say that you’re “all about taking the Bible as your point of reference,” but you then systematically try to dissuade me from doing just that, not once using the Bible to support your views, and instead appealing to your system of logic coupled with hefty doses of emotion and insulting remarks. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” I agree with God about this, and will not back down from that position.
I would also like to address your “who are you?” questions by stating that I am no one of importance to you or anyone else, on my own merit. Which is why I will always and ever point to God’s Word as the standard. I’m judging no one in this post, but am pointing true Christ-followers back to what the Bible says. If you take issue with the Bible, you’ll have to take that up with God. Furthermore, I have no power to right wrongs in anyone’s life – not even my own, and I don’t claim the power to do so here. Instead, I always point myself and anyone within my realm of influence to the cross of Christ.
I realize that it’s very likely you’ll still judge my views as “foolish” and “embarrassing.” You both compliment me and affirm my position in doing so, because the Bible makes it plain that the wisdom of God looks like foolishness to the world. If you’d like to read about this fascinating concept for yourself (and I encourage you to do so, not taking my word for it, but really seeking out what God has to say), you can spend some time in the book of I Corinthians, chapters 1-3 (specifically 1:20-30, 2:14-15, and 3:18-23).
If applying God’s Word seems like foolishness to you, I would encourage you to heed God’s call in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine yourself, to see whether you are really in the faith. I don’t mean this as an insult, as this is an effort I undertake often myself. I also find application in what the Bible says in Proverbs 28:26,”He who trusts his own heart is a fool,” and Proverbs 18:2, “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
Thank you for taking the time to share your views here, and I pray that my response has been enlightening for you.
1Corithians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1Corithians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
2Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
You had better study the Word of God and stop trying to please men. God says avoid homosexuals.. 2Corinthians 6:14 …Sodom and Gomorrah ring a bell…He turned Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt just for looking back at them and yet you post your “opinion” that they are to be accepted…the devil accepts everybody. God spared not the angels that sinned and He will not spare any others that sin including those that tolerate what He commands to avoid and abhor.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Ephesians 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
Greek word for fellowship is sugkoinwnew sugkoinoneo, {soong-koy-no-neh’-o} defined as ; to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in:–communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. {more: or, rather}
Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; {to retain: or, to acknowledge} {a reprobate…: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind}
Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. {have…: or, consent with}
Hello, Michael, and welcome! I must admit that I’m somewhat confused by your comments. No where in this post did I state that homosexual sin should be accepted. In point #5, I state that Jesus would tell them to go and sin no more. You and I are in agreement that homosexual sin is an abomination to God and a perversion of His created design.
Where we differ is in our treatment of homosexuals. I believe homosexuals should be treated just like other lost people, with the love of God and with the message of the gospel. The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves, and the Great Commission teaches us to make disciples of Christ. Many homosexuals have been reached, converted, and discipled in following the ways of Jesus Christ. Practicing homosexuals are sinners in need of a Savior, just as I once was.
With that being said, regarding the Bible passages you cited, nowhere in this post did I advocate forming close partnerships with homosexuals that would equate to being unequally yoked. Nowhere did I encourage believers to condone or participate in their immorality. Nowhere did I state that Christians should speak about the details of homosexual sin, to partake in them, or to have fellowship with that sin. Nowhere did I say that believers should consent to or approve of homosexuality.
I would ask you to please provide a reference for your claim that God tells us to avoid homosexuals. None of the Scriptures you share make that point. Please read God’s Word for what it says, and not for what you want it to say, or even what you’ve always been taught. As long as there is breath and until Jesus returns, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Thank you so much for your website..
I have struggled with this situation with my daughter and God is so Incredible with His Love! I would like to share my story, maybe it can help others the way you have helped me. God Bless
https://www.gratefulstories2.com/single-post/2017/02/26/gratefulstoriescom-1
I haven’t finished reading the article yet, but I do think when Jesus said, “whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,” (Matthew 5:28) — it can be deduced that that is what Jesus would have to say about pornography these days, too. Just thought I’d throw that out there!
Hello there, and thanks for your comment. You’re right, of course – that Scripture is certainly very applicable to the sin of pornography.