The Christian Index
By Stephen J. Williams, senior pastor, New Antioch Baptist Church, Rome
What an intense subject we have before us! Homosexuality needs no introduction, because it is the topic on every street corner with vastly different opinions. We do, though, need to answer some questions about how to respond when a person we love says he or she is gay.
Hopefully, from this study, we can see the power of Christ in our response.
Romans 1:18-23
In this text, Paul says, everything God created shows His glory, as we see Him in the beauty of the stars, the blooming of the flowers, and the order of the universe. God has orchestrated and revealed a pattern toward His glory that leaves all humans without excuse.
Paul further shares in Romans how the law was made for us to see our need for God. Yet, people have rejected God’s order with selfish desires and He must react. For instance, hell is the reflex of God’s holiness when His grace is rejected.
Furthermore, the word “wrath” in verse 18 is a slow building of God’s terror as He suffers long with sin, then explodes with almighty vengeance. We seem to get a clear picture of sin in verse 23 as all humans have exchanged the glory of the immortal God for mortal man’s invented desires. But, is homosexuality a sin deserving God’s wrath?
Romans 1:24-27
The next few verses show how God removes His convicting Spirit to allow people in rebellion to do as they please. Paul says this unrelenting rebellion is lust, impurity, exchanging truth, worshipping self, and completely desiring unnatural affections. This attitude is totally opposite of Godliness. Therefore, any participation in these acts is against the grain of God’s plan, and verse 27 says one of them is homosexuality.
If a person admits a disregard for God and agrees that the homosexual lifestyle is not godly, then we could move forward with truth. However, many people will only admit that God’s love allows this lifestyle to continue without recourse, and the truth is shaped by the opinions of the world. The world is governed by sensuality, and allows one to believe in sin and be alright with God.
We cannot judge based upon how we live, because we have all been sinners.
And when the discussion comes to our doorstep, we are faced with an argument of the validity of homosexuality. Look plainly at this text and know for certain that unnatural affections of women with women and men with men is rebellion against God, and His holiness cannot accept that.
I Corinthians 6:9-11
While that is hard to swallow, God’s Word has good news for Christians trying to deal with this issue. Look at three ways in I Corinthians 6:9-11 to help Christians react appropriately. Prayerfully, you can find rest in your response, and the family member can see love and receive the truth.
First, Homosexuality should not be singled out. Verses 9-10 give several attitudes and actions that are considered sin and homosexuality is just one of the many.
Even though society has made homosexuality a theme for religious tolerance, we must keep in mind homosexuality is not the main problem. The problem is rejecting of Christ, His Lordship, and His Gospel.
So, the first response is to look beyond the stigma in your heart toward the particular sin, and consider your responsibility in helping free the sinner.
Second, realize where God brought you from. Homosexuality is not the only sin and the person living the lifestyle is not the only sinner. Paul shoots a skillful arrow right to the point in verse 11 when he says, “As were some of you.”
No matter who we are, not one of us is better than a person who says he or she is gay. We cannot judge based upon how we live, because we have all been sinners.
Furthermore, look at this with a hopeful attitude. If God can change you, He can change anyone, and you might be the tool He uses for your family member or friend.
Third, be like Jesus in grace and truth. The point of responding to homosexuals is not to stop their lifestyle. The point is for Christ to save and change their heart toward him. The lifestyle will then be changed by Christ.
Many will always struggle with sinful urges, so a life in Christ will give them victory on a daily basis. Therefore, any response must be wrapped in the commands to love God and love people.
Telling the truth shows a huge amount of love and courage. Consider that no one in hell will ever thank you for refusing to tell them the truth about Christ while he or she was alive.
In explaining the truth, Paul added the phrase, “… you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” “Justified” means to be made right with God through Jesus Christ, so our job is to point people to the same Jesus that saved us. The marvelous grace of God is revealed in how much He despises sin, and yet he is willing to change all those who are living in sin.
Christ loves every person in the world living the homosexual lifestyle, and many are hurting, restless, and need someone to care. His or her homosexuality is a sin that should not be applauded, but neither should that person be shunned. So, get alone with God and plead for grace to respond in love with the truth.
What you are looking for is your Christ-centered love to initiate a response from a homosexual that says, “I want what you have.”
