If Someone You Know and Love is Gay: Part II

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14

In my last blog we focused on addressing the issue of homosexuality from a biblical point of view. While always standing on God’s Word, we also must show grace, love, and kindness. We can do that without compromising our convictions. Jesus was 100% grace and 100% truth. That must also be our approach.

Here are some observations concerning the issue of homosexuality and the Church:

1. The fight has been brought to the Church, the Church must Respond and we must Respond with Grace and Truth. We cannot give our approval, but we can show the love of Jesus while taking our stand on truth.
2. Calling God a Liar is not an Option for Christians and Churches: God says that homosexuality is sin. To accept homosexuality is calling God a liar. We must stand and stand firm with God’s Word (I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Timothy 1:9-11; Matthew 19:4-6).
3. We Cannot Apologize for what the Bible Teaches; however, we can Do a Better Job of Communicating what it says, what we are for, in Love.We do not ow anyone an apology for what the Bible teaches. The Bible is the authority for what is Right—what is True, and what is Wrong—what is False (II Timothy 3:16).
4. We must Approach the Issues of Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage with Great Humility. We must admit that we don’t have all the answers when it comes to why people are homosexual or have a same-sex attraction. It is a complex, not a simple, issue (I Peter 5:5).
5. We Must Genuinely, Observably Demonstrate the Love of God to Homosexuals and not just use Phrases Like, “We love the sinner but hate the sin.” Cliches are empty; loving actions are transforming (John 13:35).
6. A Distinction must be made between Same-Sex Temptation and Sinful Actions (homosexual behavior) (Hebrews 4:15; I Corinthians 10:13). Temptation is not sin.
7. It is Important to Realize that only the Gospel Transforms People

Only the gospel has the power to change a person. In Part III of “If Someone You Know Is Gay”, I will share how to help someone who is struggling with homosexuality to experience a breakthrough.