LOVING THE HOMOSEXUAL

by Jim Corner

The truth regarding a given topic is not always accepted. Christians are often referred to as 'narrow' in their thinking. We must never forget, however, that truth by its very nature is narrow. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, not the 15th or 17th. Who would call me narrow minded for making that claim and yet when a Christian speaks out against homosexuality, they are branded as people with no compassion for others.

One statement that needs to be made is that there are many within the 'Christian' community who have an ungodly and unloving attitude towards the homosexual. I am in no way defending their behavior. The example of Jesus is of one who loved and genuinely cared for all people and if we are to be His followers, our lives must mirror His. I do not, however, demonstrate love for an individual if their behavior is against the will of God and I sanction it.

Without a doubt there are a number of Biblical issues which are difficult. We read in II Peter 3:16 of "things that are hard to understand." When you look at what the Bible has to say on the subject of homosexuality, however, it is very clear as to God's view of the subject. Under the Law of Moses, the homosexual was stoned to death (Leviticus 20:13). Lest you get angry with me, I did not write the Bible, I am simply stating what God says. Let me interject one thought here: if you do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then this column will seem foolish to you. If, however, you believe that the Bible is from God, then the teaching on homosexuality is clear.

When you turn to the New Testament, the teaching regarding homosexuality is just as clear. We read in Romans 1:27 that homosexuality is perversion. It does not take a 'rocket scientist' to know that God did not create man to have sex with man. Homosexuality is listed in I Corinthians 6 with some of the following sins: idolatry, thievery and drunkenness. It is listed in I Timothy 1 with murder, lying and that which is against sound teaching.

I recently read an article in defense of homosexuality and that particular sin was compared with gender, race and handicaps. I cannot control my gender or my race or any disabilities that I have. Homosexuality, however, is a choice that I make. God has never condemned anyone for being male or female, for being black, brown or white or for any handicap. Those who would argue that homosexuality is a disease are transforming God into an unjust God.

It is argued that the church should not exclude those who are involved in a 'loving relationship'. First of all, the church does not determine right and wrong, the Word of God does. When the church violates clear teachings of Scripture, the church is in error. No man has the authority to change what the Lord has decreed! The fact is that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin. There may be factors in a person's life that would make them more disposed to commit murder but that does not excuse their behavior if they kill. The same is true of the sin of homosexuality. We in the church must love the homosexual and help them overcome this sin.

Jesus Christ died to bring life to all and salvation can be received by all who follow and obey His teachings. The homosexual can be saved if they will leave their life of sin and come to the Lord. It is my prayer that every homosexual will turn from that sin and entrust their lives to the Lord.

Picture this scene: you have been having pains so you go to the doctor. He runs a battery of tests and discovers that you have cancer. He determines that you would be unhappy with that diagnosis so he tells you that you have a minor problem, gives you some medicine and sends you home. We both realize that that doctor is not your friend. I do not speak out against homosexuality because I dislike homosexuals: I speak out against it because God says that it is sin. If you are struggling with this sin, I pray that you will entrust your life to the Lord and He will help you overcome.

Love, Jim

©2001 Buckingham Road Church of Christ