How Do I Deal With Homosexuality In My Family? - 10/05/2008
I know this isn't a question about a religion, but
I'm finding as a Christian I am being forced to open my beliefs to
include all sorts of things I have been taught are wrong. Ray Boltz
just came out of the closet and hopes one day Christians will not
look at homosexuality as a perceived sin. My sister just came out,
and I don't know how to approach this whole thing from a Christian
standpoint. Do I accept things as they are and say "anything goes"
because Jesus loves sinners, or do I stand strong and risk my sister
not speaking to me again? I am so torn. I really can't believe how
much of this is going into the churches now, and how much tolerance
for a lifestyle sin that Jesus told us was wrong. I know he loved
sinners, but He asked them to change.
What is your opinion of
God's view on gays int he church and how we should deal with loved
ones?
Thanks
J
CONTENDER MINISTRIES RESPONSE:
Hi J. My heart goes out to you and your family. Having a family
member announce that they are homosexual when you know it is an
abomination before God is difficult to say the least. You're
absolutely right - Jesus loved sinners, but expects them to change. We
are instructed in the Bible to love sinners, but hate their sin, not
condone it. A person who is homosexual is, by definition,
unrepentantly sinful. In the church body, the church leadership must
deal with homosexual members as the Bible instructs them to do with any
member living in sin - confront, confront, confront. And if the sinner
will not repent, they must be expelled from the fellowship. This has
been the pattern Christ established within the first century body of
believers and taught by the Apostles, and it should be the rule in any
biblical church. That doesn't mean we stop loving these people, but it
does mean that sin has no part in the body of Christ. As a family
member of a homosexual, you must continue to love your sister with the
love of Christ. Make sure she knows how you feel though. Make sure
she knows you believe she is endangering her soul by living a sinful
lifestyle without repentance. If you want, share with her our articles
on what the Bible says about homosexuality:
Another resource is Exodus
International, which ministers to homosexuals as well as to
families of homosexuals. I also recommend Stephen Bennett Ministries
(Bennett is a former homosexual who is now married with children and a
vital ministry). I was very disappointed to find out that Ray Boltz has
given up and given in to sin. This is why it's important that we not
place Christian leaders and entertainers on pedestals that could cause
us to lose faith if these people give in to the world. Satan can
masquerade as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), and too many
people - Christian or not - buy into the deception. If Satan was
willing to tempt Jesus (a foolhardy endeavor, to be sure), imagine how
willing he is to try to deceive Christ's human followers. The Bible
says that the devil seeks to deceive "the elect" (Matthew 24:24).
Love your sister, J, but hate her sin. Don't implicitly condone her
sin by not mentioning your beliefs about it. Let her know you will
always love her, but you believe she is in spiritual peril by living a
life of sin. A friend likes to say that "Truth without love is too
hard, but love without truth is too soft." You shouldn't try to
alienate her, but should also be willing to accept the fact that she may
be angry with you for speaking the truth. Seek His will in all you
do. May God reach your sister, sustain your family, and grant you
strength and wisdom as you contend for the faith.
In Christ,
Ben Rast
Contender Ministries
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