I have a question regarding homosexuality. I am a Christian and obviously believe God's word to be true. The Bible says homosexuality is sinful -- something to be repented of. What I don't understand is how people have testimonies of how they knew they were gay from a young age and how they would prefer not to be gay etc. I see this a lot on programs like Oprah and it leaves questions in my mind that I can't answer. My question is, Have you ever studied the Bible with someone who was "gay," and do you have any experience with people who say things like this? I want to understand how people can repent of this when they feel they were born that way. -- Jodie (Canada)
Yes, I have studied with several men from a homosexual background. A number are faithful brothers to this day. Some made excuses, but in time were softened by God's word. Others hardly resisted the scriptural message, but rather turned themselves in. Unfortunately, others were unwilling to accept the authority of God's word, or tried to twist it in order to support their lifestyle choices. God's word is very clear, and honest, moral, receptive, and seeking hearts will (eventually) always accept the authority of Scripture.
Sinful tendencies operate in our flesh from youth (Genesis 8:21): "The Lord said in his heart: 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood.' "
Sins that may become full-blown in adulthood often appear embryonically in childhood -- sins like deceit, anger, lust, and self-indulgence. So it should hardly be surprising that some people say, "I have been this way as far back as I can remember." The word of God says as much.
Here are some other things for you to consider:
(a) the ability of the conscience to be modified -- or even seared (1 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Timothy 4:2)
(b) the stunning facility of excuse-making in human beings (Romans 1:32, Luke 14:18)
(c) the Lord's promises to his people of a "way out" when they are being tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)
(d) the fact that some people will refuse to repent, even though the Lord is pushing them to soften their hearts and effect a change (Revelation 16:9, 11; Jeremiah 5:3), and finally,
(e) the fact that God loves not only homosexuals, but every sort of sinner. Jesus was sharply criticized for embracing all sorts of people. We must remember to emulate his example -- to project faith and acceptance and love, not the aura of "holier than thou."
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2004. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.
