Reems of paper and hours of air time have been devoted to talk about homosexuality. Often the persons we encounter who live such a lifestyle or any of the LGBTQIA+ ones, are looked upon in disdain especially by followers of Jesus Christ. This does not endear us to them.
We forget what Harold J. Sala reminds us of in his book Counseling Friends in Need.
"Remember God loves the individual; it is sin He condems" (p. 196).
Whether it is one sin or another we need to remember "God loves the individual!" Even the vile, scary, evil man who lives next door! Let's
"not condemn the person along with their sin," Sala continues. "Strive to let your friend [in need] know that you love and accept her as a human being."
We never know the full extent of what an individual has had to suffer and encounter in childhood. We do not fully understand his experiences or trauma or neglect that led to certain behavior in teen and/or adult years, including homosexual behavior.
There are several Bible verses in regards to homosexuality and how God calls it "unrighteous" and goes against how He made human beings male and female. Yet it is a practice God can forgive. I see that there is hope for anyone who wishes to choose God's way.
It is one in a list in 1 Corinthians 6:9-12 that the apostle Paul remarks on in talking about what lifestyles some of the Corinthians have lived. He wrote,
"And such were some of you" (vs 11).
Homosexuality is in that list. To me, this speaks of hope, that this lifestyle choice of a person who wishes to choose God's way, can be victorious with Holy Spirit's help. Paul went on to state,
"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" (vs 11).
At the end of verse 12 Paul penned,
"but I will not be dominated by anything."
Any thing that displeases God.
I pinpoint the word "sanctified" in vs 11. I once read a pamphlet with a title something like, "Can a Homosexual Change"?
The author asks a very good question. He asked,
"What is the oppostie of 'homosexual'?"
We may be tempted to glibly reply,
"Heterosexuality".
According to this author, your answer would be very wrong. He says the opposite is "holiness." You see, heterosexuals commit fornication, adultery and other forms of gross sexual immorality. Definitely those are NOT holy.
God wants us to be holy as He is holy (see Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16). Whether a person is heterosexual or homosexual, God tells us to be holy. It is the opposite of all forms of sexual immoraltiy in God's sight.
Just the other day a friend told a group of us that she has never seen anyone who loved God more and is a regular churchgoer yet he is homosexual. Whether homosexual or heterosexual, if a person says they love God so much yet continue in behavior that displeases and dishonors Him, how can this be? If we love someone we will want to honor that person with what pleases them. If surrendered to HIS will, then true repentance and transformation will occur.
So does God condemn the homosexual individual more so than heterosexuals? Well He forgive without bias the one who comes in confession and repentance of violating His laws and principles and intentions of how He made human beings?
I really like what Sala said in this regard,
"For God to condemn someone for a practice he could not help would be unjust, but the fact is, homosexuality is but one of many practices God can forgive and with His forgiveness comes His enabling power to change, something that the Church is often strangely silent about proclaiming" (p 195).
I feel the avenue of forgiveness and Holy Spirit empowerment to change, to transform, and to have overcoming victory spells, 'H-O-P-E' to the one who chooses to live God's way.
May we each be able to explain this to any friend in need who comes our way sincerely seeking such help and hope to live a holy life, in Christ. May we each seek to do so, too.
Father God, prosper us to live holy lives in Your sight as we seek You and choose Your way. Help my friend in need _________, with the process of overcoming. Thank You so very much for the hope we have through Jesus and the help we have through Holy Spirit conviction and empowerment. In Jesus' name we ask, amen.
~ ERC March 2025 ~
Based on 1 Corinthians 6:9-12 ESV and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala, Chapter 9 - Using the Bible to Counsel Addictive Behavior. Pages 194-196.
Sing, Overcomers, along with Mandisa.
Memorize: 1 Corinthians 6:9-12; Leviticus 18:22; 20:12 and Romans 1:12-67 for God's perspective.
Links for further info.:
Social Issues Facing the Church - Homosexuality
Pamphlet - Can You Change if You are Gay?
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