Modern-Day Questions About Homosexuality (2 of 6)

How can God condemn two people for just “loving” each other?

First we must ask, what does the Bible say about love? I Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter." It contains the biblical definition of love. I Corinthians 13:5 states that love "thinketh no evil." Further, verse 6 declares that love "Rejoiceth not in iniquity [unrighteousness, sin, wickedness], but rejoiceth in the truth." We have examined passages which demonstrate that homosexuality is unquestionably and undeniably unrighteous and sinful. Thus, it is biblically impossible for “true love” to be the basis for a homosexual relationship. God does not condemn two people for loving each other; He condemns the homosexual behavior because it is contrary to His created order and His character.

Does upbringing have a bearing on one's "sexual preference"?

It is the belief of Stephen Bennett Ministries that you don't need to be a psychologist to see the common brokenness of families and/or parental relationships in many homosexual men and women’s lives. We believe there are many factors which may lead a person down a homosexual path, including broken mother/father relationships, molestation, incest, and a variety of other dynamics. Our backgrounds and experiences can play a part in determining what specific kinds of temptations we face, but are not a basis or license to act out on those sinful desires or behavior, according to God’s Word.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:19: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." James 1:14-15 makes the point again: "…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death." The condition of our heart is the root of both sinful desires and actions. We are born with a propensity for evil, and only the life-changing power of Christ can enable us to overcome that.

However, parents do play a critical role in the spiritual development of their children. They need to lay a solid spiritual foundation for their children by teaching them to know, apply, and love the Word of God. And they should encourage their children to develop a personal relationship with the Lord, to seek God, and to listen for His direction. Proverbs 22:6 says that a parent should "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

How should parents respond to a child who confesses to being a homosexual?

If a child confesses to his or her parents that they are struggling with homosexuality, there are three primary actions parents should take. First, parents should demonstrate unconditional love to their children. As God has extended grace to us, parents must reflect that same grace to their children.

Second, parents should instruct their children regarding God’s plan for human relationships (one man and one woman in the covenant union of marriage) and the biblical admonition against homosexuality. In a loving, but firm manner, parents need to express that they do not condone their child’s involvement in homosexuality. Loving your child does not mean that you must approve of everything they do. Often, parents warn young children not to cross the busy street. The child may become upset, even throw a tantrum. But the parent has correctly rendered his or her protective duty. Similarly, parents who warn their children not to cross the line into homosexuality fulfill their God-given parental responsibility. Sometimes, the hardest part of being a parent is telling your children what they need to hear — even when they don’t want to hear it. Love them enough to tell them the truth.

Third, parents should pray daily on behalf of their children. They must entrust their children to a gracious heavenly Father — He alone can change their heart.

Is it really a "choice" to be, or not to be a homosexual?

This is an area where Christians need to be careful to articulate truth carefully. We often say to the homosexual, "You chose to be that way." Certainly, we can all make foolish choices that may place us in a position to be tempted in one way or another. However, while the homosexual may have chosen to give in to homosexual desires, few chose to struggle with same-sex attraction any more than a heterosexual individual chose their opposite-sex attraction. Yet, it is very clear: no one was born “gay.” It’s also important to note that God does not hold us accountable for the temptations that come our way, but for how we respond to those temptations. That’s when choice becomes a factor.

I Corinthians 10:13 promises "that God is faithful, [and] will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God’s grace is sufficient; His power made perfect in weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9) God will enable the individual struggling with homosexuality to withstand the temptation and to apply practical biblical principles to avoid being in situations that might prove to make it more difficult to avoid being tempted.

Scripture warns us that Satan’s desire is to exploit our weaknesses. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour…" I Peter 5:8. If the enemy is seeking to devour us — then we should not give him an inch by placing ourselves in danger of temptation! We must be discerning. James 4:7 is clear on this point: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The individual who struggles with pornography should stay off the Internet. Likewise, the individual who struggles with homosexuality would be unwise to develop a circle of homosexual friends. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

Shouldn't we be more tolerant of other people's differences?

Differences should be tolerated, but sin should never be. Jesus never tolerated sin. He confronted it — in love. As Christians, we are not free to condemn individuals, but we have the responsibility to address sinful behavior. Reproving sin in a loving manner demonstrates true concern and compassion for the individual. Christians are called to be salt and light to the world. As such, we must take a bold stand for truth, reprove sin, and share the Gospel with everyone, including those who are involved in homosexuality.

The question is often asked, "How can I witness to homosexuals without offending them or seeming 'intolerant'?" In Jeremiah 6:10, the prophet asks, "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it." Fear of offending or seeming "intolerant" should never move us to silence. Our presentation of biblical truth should never be offensive in and of itself, but the Word of God will often cause offense to those who choose to reject it.

Is HIV/AIDS God's judgment on homosexuality?

This question is generally asked in an historical context. In the Old Testament, God used His prophets to warn the Israelites of judgment for their sin. If the warnings went unheeded, the wrath of God fell on the people. The judgments were nearly always pronounced for a defined period of time. There is no indication that God is judging homosexuals corporately with the AIDS virus in the same way that He judged Israel for her sin.

However, according to the Center for Disease Control, upwards of 60-68% of all new HIV/AIDS cases in America alone each year are due to men having sex with men.

Continue to Page 3 of 6: SBM's "What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?"