JUNE 6, 2024 BY ARCH KENNEDY
If you were to ask many conservatives this question, they might tell you that it is because leftists are constantly pushing the LGBTQ+ agenda. However, it goes much deeper than that. Firstly, I can share from my extensive experience in this subject matter. As a follower of Christ, and also someone who struggles with same-sex attraction, my beliefs regarding homosexuality and the Bible have undergone significant change. Through being born again, the process of sanctification has transformed me and continues to mold me more into the image of Christ.
I came out in my late teens and went through the phase of raging hormones where I grappled with my sexuality and faith initially. However, as I realized I couldn’t alter or force myself to be attracted to women, I drifted away from my faith and attempted to find “happiness” as a gay man. Yet, I was never truly happy. My alcoholism became a means to conceal my shame for going against Scripture. Fast forward to today. While I strayed from God throughout my twenties and thirties, God never abandoned me. Just two years ago, He called me back, and I am forever grateful. For the first time, I joined a Bible study and began delving into the Word daily. It has transformed my life. I had never comprehended the importance, as a Christian, of daily immersion in Scripture. Merely attending church, though crucial, is insufficient. God communicates with us through the Bible. We cannot discern God’s will for our lives if we do not engage with it. Believing in Christ is only a first step. There is a process (sanctification) facilitated by the Holy Spirit’s work after being born again.
So, what does the Bible say about homosexuality?
“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” – Leviticus 18:22
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” – Leviticus 20:13
“In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” – Romans 1:27
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.” – 1 Timothy 1:9-10
“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” – Jude 1:7
There is no doubt that homosexuality is regarded as a sin in God’s eyes. However, Scripture addresses numerous sins, so why is this particular sin so frequently singled out in today’s culture? People engage in adultery, theft, murder, and lying, and there is no dispute that these actions are wrong. As someone who has grappled with same-sex attraction, I can attest to the genuine struggle. Many individuals, including conservative Christians, acknowledge that gay individuals do not choose their sexual orientation. Some may argue that Jesus never explicitly mentioned homosexuality. While this is true, Christians believe that Jesus was God. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Undoubtedly, the Bible is the Word of God, and He plainly articulates His commands in both the Old and New Testaments.
It’s often said that “times change,” but Scripture remains constant. Another argument submits that while one can choose to commit adultery or murder, they cannot choose whom they are attracted to. This is indeed true, but homosexuality is still regarded as a sin. We cannot cherry-pick which parts of the Bible to adhere to. It doesn’t work that way. Trust me, the struggle is real, but as the process of sanctification commences, the Holy Spirit provides the strength to combat sin. Earthly pleasures gradually recede in importance compared to the pleasure of fulfilling God’s will. Consequently, the peace of Christ transforms lives. It certainly did for me.
Everyone grapples with various forms of sin. Some struggle with pornography, others battle addiction in its various forms, and some contend with overeating. There are myriad struggles, but as we mature in Christ, our fleshly desires diminish, and we sin less and less. We won’t achieve perfection, but we become better individuals.
Got Questions explains that handling the topic of homosexuality must be done with love and compassion and not through heated political debate. In today’s society, it’s becoming more common for our friends to openly share their identity as “gay” or “trans,” and as Christians, our response is crucial.
To navigate this, we must ground ourselves in the understanding of God’s nature and human sinfulness. Recognizing that everyone, including those who come out, needs love and grace, we, as Christians, act as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Through Christ, we hold the promise of eternal life and can extend this hope to others.
When a friend reveals their sexual orientation or gender identity, our approach varies depending on their professed faith. For those who don’t claim Christianity, our response mirrors Christ’s example of reaching out to sinners with love and compassion (Luke 5:30; 7:34). We engage in genuine conversations, listen attentively, and share the truth about God and salvation with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15–16).
Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman, we aim for godliness in our approach, recognizing the person’s humanity and building trust through genuine care and concern (John 4:1–42). These interactions may lead to deeper conversations about the complexities of attraction, identity, and behavior.
When a friend professing Christianity comes out, Scripture advises a different approach. Paul’s guidance in 1 Corinthians 5:11 suggests a stance of “holy ostracism” toward those claiming faith yet persisting in sinful lifestyles. This doesn’t imply rudeness but a change in the level of fellowship, aimed at prompting repentance and restoration.
In all cases, prayer, guided by faith, remains vital. We pray for God’s intervention, leading to repentance and a deeper understanding of truth (2 Timothy 2:25). Filled with the Holy Spirit, we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit and ensure our conversations are gracious and seasoned with wisdom (Colossians 4:6). Ultimately, our goal is to honor Christ in our interactions and to facilitate reconciliation and spiritual growth in those we engage with.
IMO Homosexuality is not political-but obviously used by many to help push an agenda that is. I believe out of all the sins, it is the most debated because it is NOT something we’ve all experienced.
Most of us can understand to some degree, the many evils/sins of the world due to relating it to a feeling or experience we’ve personally had. Homosexuality doesn’t fall under that umbrella of understanding, because for many will never have a relatable experience.
I am gay and struggled with, was married to a woman and had 1 daughter. . We divorced when I came out to her and my daughter. My daughter has not spoken to me in 16 years. My ex-wife have a good relationship. I am remarried to a man now.and so very happy with who I am and who we are and what we have. We are members of an all inclusive church with straight, gays, lesbians and trans members which completes are life.
Great article, Arch. That was my experience in 2o17 when I received my invitation to return to practicing my faith and going from a sexually active to a chaste relationship/friendship with my former partner of 22 years who is now my “brother in Christ” rather than “partner.” In the 21 years that I had stopped practicing but never stopped believing or praying, I knew in my heart that God was never too far away. It was not He who abandoned me, more the other way around. I still have my occasional struggles, but on a whole, I am much more joyful and at peace than I was previously. God Bless!
Preaching God’s Word. Thanks, Arch. It’s been a while, I hope and pray you are doing well. God bless.
~M.