Dr. Rob Boyd shares his personal experience from college when he first encountered homosexual behavior with his roommate, leading him to seek God's guidance on how to respond biblically and lovingly to those struggling with homosexual behavior.
Scripture Texts
1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 6:1
Main Points or Ideas
- The Question of Homosexuality - The Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior (not inclination, but behavior) is sin, but it's not the unpardonable sin, and God loves homosexuals just as He loves all sinners.
- The Command to Christians - Christians are commanded to restore those caught in sin with gentleness, not to ridicule, harass, reject, or hate them, but to love them as Christ loved them.
- Homosexuality in Scripture - Both Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Genesis 19) and New Testament (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) clearly describe homosexual behavior as sin against God.
- Excuses Examined - Common justifications include orientation excuses ("born that way"), judgmental excuses ("who are you to judge"), selfish excuses ("I deserve happiness"), and biblical excuses (misinterpreting Scripture).
- The Answer - Only the gospel and Jesus Christ can change hearts and behavior, not self-will or determination.
Conclusion
Christians must love homosexuals as Christ loved them by treating them with dignity, speaking truth in love, and praying for them, demonstrating that Christians are known by their love.
