As saints, how are we to treat people who are practicing an LGBTQ+ lifestyle?
Individuals and families can find themselves in difficult situations to know how to treat people who are living LGBTQ+ lifestyles. In every decision, it is paramount to keep the spirit and love of Christ. Jesus was a friend to sinners. In Matthew 9:10-13, the Pharisees questioned why Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners. Jesus responded, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus was neither partaking of nor supporting their sinful behavior; but He was reaching out to them in love for their souls’ sake. We must treat all people with love and respect as creations of God, regardless of lifestyle choices. If we completely ostracize people who are living in darkness, how will they ever find hope of salvation? Jesus also taught that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). In our sinful world, who is our neighbor? There is a balance of showing love and yet not fellowshipping sinfulness. While there is a great disdain for deviant sexual behaviors, that disdain should be for the practice, not for the person.
It is important to remember that loving someone does not mean you are in agreement with or that you condone their sinful practices. In most situations, I would find it highly difficult to attend an adulterous wedding or a union of homosexuals. While we love the people, we could neither support nor participate in this kind of celebration.
In certain situations it may be necessary to implement some guidelines and limit interactions in order to preserve the sanctity of one’s home, to protect oneself or younger children from ungodly influences. Whatever is said and done should always be with the spirit of Christ. Most importantly, pray much for their salvation. ■
What do I do if I am attracted to the same gender?
The enemy has worked hard to normalize same-sex relationships. If somebody is attracted to someone of the same gender, prayer is the chief weapon to combat the enemy and the flesh. There is a divine freedom from sin and a place in Christ where temptation can lose its power. When spirits of lust are involved, there is deliverance. As sexual deviance in society becomes more prevalent, there will be increased temptations. Experiences, environment, and natural inclinations can make some people more vulnerable than others. It is important to remember that temptation is not sin; yielding to it is sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
It is also very important not to feed the attraction. Do not watch things or associate with people that would feed or enhance this temptation. Flee all things that would create more of a desire for an unholy alliance. In your struggle, keep fighting. Daily pray for God to help you keep your heart and mind on good, pure things. Surround yourself with a strong support group of holy people and continue to grow in your walk with God.
If unmarried, do not seek to be married to someone in an attempt to overcome an attraction to someone of the same gender. That will follow you into marriage and could cause great damage. Get victory first and then seek God for a godly companion in the will of God.
Be encouraged. There is power over sin and temptation; God has a place of victory and peace for you. ■
