Loving the Neighbors
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A. When it comes to issues like homosexuality and same-sex marriage, many Christians feel caught between a rock and a hard place. Most of us aren't comfortable with the idea of homosexual relationships. We're concerned that redefining the historical and cultural definition of marriage will harm our children and ultimately undermine the very foundation of our society. But many of us have friends, relatives, or coworkers who are gay. Is it possible to oppose same-sex marriage but still reach out in love toward homosexuals?
There are many compelling arguments that support traditional marriage and refute the claims of same-sex marriage advocates (see some suggested resources at the end of this article). But before discussing the topic of same-sex marriage with gay friends and colleagues, we first need to educate ourselves about the nature of homosexuality itself.
In my work as a licensed clinical psychologist, I've found it's critical to distinguish between the homosexual person and the gay activist movement. As human beings made in the image of God, both heterosexuals and homosexuals are ascribed incomprehensible worth and value. But homosexual behavior grieves God because it violates his law and distorts his created intent for human sexuality (Exodus 18:22 Leviticus 20:13 1 Corinthians 6:9).
As Christians, we're called to love homosexuals, and we always should treat gays and lesbians with respect and dignity. But I believe God also would have us stand up against the very real evil that's represented by the gay activist movement, which often engages in deception and manipulation.
Gay activist groups have propagated several myths about homosexuality that have been popularized by the mainstream media.
First, contrary to popular belief, scientists no longer believe homosexuals are "born gay." Several studies conducted in the early 1990s appeared to show a genetic or biological cause for same-sex attraction, but according to the American Psychiatric Association, none of those studies has been replicated.
Second, though gay activists deny it, many homosexuals have been able to change their sexual orientation and achieve fulfilling heterosexual relationships.
Finally, there's no truth to gay activists' claims that homosexuality is "normal and natural." Gay men have a 1,000 percent greater risk of contracting AIDS than the general population, and their life expectancy is cut by up to 20 years. In addition, research indicates that both gays and lesbians have extremely high rates of psychiatric illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide.
Sadly, many gays and lesbians themselves don't know these facts and are being kept in the dark about the true nature of homosexuality.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2004, November/December, Vol. 26, Issue 6, Page 30
Related Topics:
gay marriage, Ministry, Neighbors, Witnessing
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MICHELLE WEST(Registered User)
I have 2 gay men in my life that I love very much. I understand loving the sinner and hating the sin. What I see as a very real problem is that most homosexuals refuse to see they're lifestyle as sinful. They believe they were born that way and God loves them. They don't get that every one of us was born a sinner, but the difference is REPENTING of that sin. Gay people seem to be defiantly un-repentant of their sin. Repenting of their sin would mean having to live their lives differently, but they don't want to do that. When I came to Christ, I had to die to my own desires. I have to give up some of the things I used to do. Some of those changes were easy, many were difficult. But that's what the Christian life requires. How do we convince gay people that they need to repent, turn from their sinful lifestyle, and let Christ be the focus of their lives??
Darlene
It amazes me how Christians can be so opinionated on the homosexuality issue but adulterer, sodomites, and drunkards are in the same Bible verses and are we treating these other groups of people as poorly. Do we hold their sins up to the same standard? If we do then we should be in the husband and wives room who is having oral or anal sex because it is sodomite, adulterers should be banished and the drunks well AA is not good enough if they fall off the wagon! I thought it was God who judged not us!!! Why do the Christian Religious feel they get to judge for God and pick out certain groups--- EVERYONE DESERVES GODS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE WHILE ON EARTH.
Katy Stokes
I usually like your articles, but this contains some very dangerous misinformation, particularly about "reparative" or "conversion" therapy which can cause serious harm to a person's overall psyche and personality. (And does nothing to change sexual orientation.) And the misuse of HIV statistics is the equivalent of saying if you are a poor woman in a developing nation, you deserve to be punished. (Because in fact, THEY represent the fastest growing number of HIV/AIDS infections.)
Anita
This a message Christians need to hear. Some people wear their sin on the outside so it is easy to condemn the openly homosexual while admiring the prideful christian.
beth
This is a great article. I too am a mother of gay son and it has been very hard to love him and not his lifestyle. The devil seeks to kill, destroy and deceive all things God has designed. The devil is using Homosexuality to do all of these but this isn't new to God. God's word is clear to those who read it and have the Holy Spirit working in their lives to reveal to them its true meaning. Don't twist or take out of context what the Bible says. The act of Homosexuality is a sin and we should turn from it. Pray for your homosexual neighbors, co-workers, friends or family members. They need God's wonderful love and forgiveness now more than ever. These times we live in are short and evil. Don't waste it.
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