What’s your response to homosexuality? This is a good question to ask because if you haven’t met someone who is or claims to be gay don’t worry, you will at some point in your life. 1-2% of the population claims to be homosexual, and of that number 5-10% also hold membership in Christian congregations. One particular quote that stands out is this – “Homosexuality is God’s creation. If, therefore, homosexuality is God’s creation, it is neither sin nor is it a choice.” This would mean God is contradicting Himself. After all, he directly addresses homosexuality in the Bible. There’s a lot of confusion to clear up here.
As a theater student, I tend to cross paths with a lot of homosexuals (stereotypical, but true), and the most common belief is that Christians are hateful because we “don’t accept them.” In my life, I’ve seen quite a few “Christians” being hateful towards homosexuals. It is sad, but true. How does Scripture inform our attitudes toward homosexual people? Can we behave in a Christian manner toward homosexuals and yet stand for what God’s Word declares to be right and true?
The core verse I looked at for this article, “Lord the one you love is sick.” (John 11:3) really makes a lot of sense. Because of sin, life is full of a lot of junk – whether physical illness such as a heart problem, mental illness like schizophrenia, family problems, emotional problems, or social problems. Homosexuality (which is against God’s commands about relationships) is not any different. If we have a sickness, we make a conscious effort to treat it. We pray about it and by God’s grace, we endeavor to live anew. We don’t wallow in it. Homosexuality is sin; and sin that God will help His children through.
The Bible talks about homosexuality in I Corinthians 6:9: “Do you now know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Neither the sexually immoral, or idolaters, or adulterers, or homosexual offenders will inherit the kingdom of God.” God gives His grace in verse 11: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
It would be hypocritical to say one sin is worse than another, but what good is it to hate, or be completely passive about homosexuality? Step outside the stereotype and show compassion to those that are gay. Share Christ with them and trust in His power to change hearts and transform lives. It’s simple but true- hate the sin, love the sinner.
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