As Christians, we seek to align our lives with God’s design and purpose, as revealed through Scripture. One area of significant discussion is homosexuality. Today, I’d like to use this highly debated topic as a jumping point to talk about the real core of the issue, which is the sinful nature and inclinations that literally every person has, including Christians.

While this topic is complex and sensitive, it is crucial to approach it with both truth and grace, drawing from the Bible’s teachings.

The Story of Creation

The foundation of understanding God’s design for human relationships begins with the creation story in Genesis. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This verse highlights the complementary nature of male and female, designed to reflect God’s image in unity and diversity.

Further, Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage underscores the institution of marriage between a man and a woman as a unique and sacred union intended for procreation, mutual support, and reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.

A New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides additional insight into human sexuality and God’s design. Romans 1:26-27 addresses homosexual behavior directly: “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

Paul describes how turning away from God’s truth leads to a distortion of His design. When humanity rejects God’s natural order, it results in various forms of sin, including homosexual behavior. This passage emphasizes that such actions contradict how God created us to live and relate to one another.

We can also look to Paul’s inspired word in 1 Corinthians 6, where some English translations say “homosexuals” will not inherit God’s kingdom. The argument from the LGTBQ side is that the word “homosexual” didn’t exist for hundreds of years after the New Testament was written.

While certainly not incorrect, it’s also important to keep in mind that the Bible wasn’t written in English – specifically, Paul was writing in Koine Greek, which in fact did not have the word “homosexual” in its vocabulary the same way we do today. So what is Paul saying here? He’s referring to men who are in a submissive relationship and on the receiving end of intimate relationships with other men. You tell me what word you would use to describe that in English.

The Nature of Sin and the Call to Walk in the Spirit

It’s essential to recognize that homosexuality is not singled out as the only sin in places like 1 Corinthians 6. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Whether it’s sexual immorality, greed, envy, deceit, or any other sin, the core issue is the same: acting according to the desires of the flesh rather than walking in the Spirit.

Having homosexual feelings, in and of itself, is not sinful. We all experience various desires that we are called not to act upon. The sin lies in acting on desires contrary to God’s design and commands. James 1:14-15 explains this process: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Galatians 5:16-17 urges us, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” The call for every Christian is to live by the Spirit, allowing God’s power to transform our desires and actions to align with His will.

Separation of Church and State

While the Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is contrary to God’s design for those who claim to follow Christ, it is also essential to recognize the distinction between religious convictions and governmental policies. As Christians, we believe our moral and ethical standards are rooted in Scripture, but we also understand that not everyone shares these beliefs. Not to get too far off topic, but I personally believe the government should respect the personal freedoms of all citizens, allowing individuals to make their own choices without imposing religious morality through legislation.

There’s a line to walk there, of course. We cannot allow murder or thievery or such things to abide as a society. But in cases where an individual would only harm themselves and no one else, people’s rights should be protected.

Respect for Personal Freedom

The government’s role is to protect its people’s rights and freedoms, not to police their personal lives. Jesus emphasized the importance of free will and personal responsibility, inviting individuals to follow Him rather than coercing them. In a diverse society, maintaining the separation of church and state is crucial, ensuring that people are free to live according to their own beliefs and values, whether or not they align with Christian teachings.

Remember, we want that freedom as Christians as well, lest the powers that be turn their ire towards the Faith and our freedom to practice our religion be outlawed.

While Christians are called to uphold and live out their faith, including biblical teachings on sexuality, it is not the role of the government to enforce these religious standards. Instead, Christians are encouraged to engage with others through love, dialogue, and personal example, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s grace without resorting to legal mandates. This approach respects the autonomy of individuals and promotes a society where freedom and faith can coexist harmoniously.

Grace and Truth

While the Bible clearly teaches that practicing homosexuality is contrary to God’s design, it also calls us to approach everyone with love and compassion. Jesus exemplified this balance of grace and truth, offering forgiveness while calling people to repentance.

Understanding homosexuality in light of God’s design involves looking at the creation story and New Testament teachings like those in Romans 1. While affirming the biblical stance, we must also emphasize that having homosexual feelings is not sinful—acting on them is. This broader biblical call to walk in the Spirit and offer grace and truth to all helps us faithfully represent God’s heart and invite others into His redemptive plan. We can navigate these sensitive topics with love, compassion, and fidelity to Scripture through this approach.

We must remember that our role is not to condemn but to share the transformative love of Christ. Regardless of their sin, every person is invited to experience the forgiveness and new life that Jesus offers. As we engage in conversations about homosexuality or any other sin, let’s do so with humility, recognizing our own need for God’s grace and the hope we have in Christ.