Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:

WordTruth.Com Response:

I guess there is the issue of how the church "should" deal with homosexuals and how the church "does" deal with homosexuals. It has been said, "Hate the sin but love the sinner." This is basically the distinction the church must practice when it comes to people and the life choices they make.

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. 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. (1 Corinthians 8:9-11, NIV)

This passage shows clearly that while people may have engaged in many sins, God's redemptive love provides forgiveness and cleansing (v11 says, "and that is what some of you were" in the past tense). His love for us is unconditional. John 3:16 indicates He loved the people in the world so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save us from our sins (that is the penalty for our sins). Jesus came to offer forgiveness and redemption of every person that would turn to Him.

Homosexuality is listed as a sin in the Bible (Romans 1:18-25) just as other sexual practices as well (adultery, incest, pornography etc). Sex is a beautiful gift from God but it is given only to a man and woman committed for life in a marriage relationship (Hebrews 13:4).

Unfortunately, many churches condemn homosexuality but never address other sexual sins. In effect, they set homosexuality up as being "really bad" and treat people accordingly. Yet heterosexuals engaged in equally heinous sins (in God's eyes) are not treated badly. This is inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible.

Now to the other question you had, how do you relate to someone who may be a homosexual when you are attracted to such a person? You did not say specifically but it appears you are a heterosexual man attracted to this woman. I'll answer in that regard.

• First, if this woman is not attracted to you then you have no romantic possibilities and the issue of her sexual orientation is irrelevant.
• Second, as a believer in the LORD Jesus, you are commanded to "love one another" (John 13:34, NIV) in the highest and noblest sense of the word. You should love this woman as you would a sister or mother. Your godly friendship alone will have a positive influence on her life.
• Third, I would not address the issue with her until you have established a trust-based friendship. No one will want to open up about such intimate details of their life if they do not know you well enough and trust you in such a conversation.

Rather than be concerned about changing this other person, concentrate on your own walk with Christ and becoming the person He wants you to be. As you imitate Christ (Ephesians 5:1), you will be the best influence you can be in this situation.

May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!

Rev. Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries