Is homosexuality a sin?

posted by Erin Davis on 11/09/10 | Twitter: @ErinGraffiti
Category: Sin; ; 63 comments

Yesterday I fielded your questions about the issue of homosexuality. It's a subject we are going to focus on all week. There are lots of teenager reading Bible

tenets to this issue that deserve to be addressed, but before we move any further we need to dig deeply into God's Word. Amidst the swirl (maybe hurricane is a better word) of messages sent to us about homosexuality by the world, there's one key issue that begs to be addressed: What does God say about the issue of homosexuality?

There's no room for my opinion on an issue this huge. The bottom line is, it doesn't matter what I think about homosexuality. I don't want your thoughts on the issue to be influenced by me. I want them to be grounded in the Word of God.

Leviticus 18:22 says, "‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."

Leviticus 20:13 says, "‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

First Corinthians 6:9–10 says, "Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

In Romans 1:26–28 we read, "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. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done."

These passages don't leave a lot of room for interpretation. There is a bottom line that is clearly evident. Homosexuality is not God's plan for our sexuality.

In a world that loves to cry that truth is a grey area, when we look to God's Word for answers, this issue becomes black and white.

But that's only one half of the equation.

Scripture doesn't give us permission to use the truth as a battering ram. It doesn't allow us to ignore sin either. It does give us a blueprint for exposing sin to the bright light of Jesus and lovingly pointing others toward Him.

Consider Ephesians 4:15–16:

No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love (The Message).

How are we to speak the truth? In love. This is certainly true of the truth about homosexuality. The Bible doesn't tell us to ignore it. Clearly, homosexuality is a sin. Since all sin leads to bondage, we need to be serious about presenting God's liberating truth! But we must be careful to follow the loving example of Jesus.

Yesterday I mentioned the story of the adulterous woman found in John 8:1–11. Today I am assigning that passage to you as homework. Read the story in your Bible, and take some time to reflect on how Jesus responded when faced with a woman involved in sexual sin. Ask God to show you how His example can teach you to respond to others on the topic of homosexuality.

Then hop back on the blog, and let's keep talking. I'm praying for God to reveal His heart to us on this issue.

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

Some random chick

good topic + prayer requests
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 9:50 am

wow this is a very good topic! i havent read the passage you assigned yet but i will sometime today. i just wanted to ask everyone to pray for two girls from my old school who are bisexual. one of them is an atheist, so there's double-praying for her, but the other girl believes in God and considers herself a Christian i'm pretty sure, and she's very nice. she was abused as a child and i just really do hope one day she will change how she reacts to homosexual feelings. please pray for the two of them! they both also cut themselves so there's lots to pray for there! there are a couple of other girls from that school who cut and are bisexual and I'm pretty sure don't believe in God, so please pray for them as well!

Heidi Mejia

Jesus as our redeemer is the center...
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 11:39 am

Hi
Im my name is Heidi, Im from Dominican Republic and new on this blog, but I just love it!---
I just wanna say that when we address these verses with our homosexual friends we must seek the wisdom of God soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much, because if the presentation of these verses is not done with a mountain of love and compassion toward our friends.. then our friends, very very easily, can feel like we attacking them... and even in love, some might still react this way.. so we must be wise and careful. The main message we should share should always bne JESUS as the center... and how he can redeem our sins, without that everything else can just fall into attack and arguments that dont lead anywhere :)

Bre

Is Homosexuality a SIN?
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 11:44 am

I would like to say that homosexuality is a sin which God says is an abomination to Him. Homosexual sin is a clear sin, however, we are suppose( as Christians) to love the sinner because we are also sinners.
So I guess what I am saying is this sin is clearly pointed out in the Bible as bad as witchcraft & that it is a serious sin. I have a question though is it okay to be friends with a homosexual person? I am not sure about the friend part because their sin leads to other sin.. and I think if you don't believe in that lifestyle then there is no way to befriend them. You can show them the light of Christ in other ways.

Jeannie

Thank you
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 12:06 pm

I've been trying to explain to my friend that homosexuality is wrong and I had trouble finding verses. Thank you for sharing them! I will be sure to show them to her.

olivia

I agree
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 12:10 pm

I have gay friends, actually two of them. I told them about this, how God doesn't except homosexuality, well not to argue with them but one of them asked so I answered, they know I'm all for Jesus!
One of them was like so who cares? and the other, yah I know. But turns out I stopped hanging out with both of them. Not because they were gay, but God somehow told me not to, He gave me lots of thing to do, school, activities etc. I recently started home school and it's so hectic, and I have lots of meeting to go to , so much activities/field trips that I barely even have time to hang around with them. Eventually, time flew by, turned into months and they just stopped calling and even hanging out with me. So yah, after my life experience I hope you learn that God has taught me to hang out with Christian friends rather than homosexuals who sin, and then you hang out with the wrong crowd doing something you'll later on regret. So you see how God cares so much about us, and doesn't want us to live and act like sinners but to walk in truth and with other believers! I say no to gay, some of you might take it as offensive, but I'm only following what the Lord God told me to do, and it is even written down in his Word!

Annamarie

Sin?
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 1:26 pm

I think homosexually is a sin. God made sex for marrige and a wonderful thing. And the homosexual's ruin it.

Anonymous

Sin?
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 1:54 pm

How can homosexuality be a sin if someone didn't CHOSE it. I don't believe that someone choses to be gay. If they did, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be gay. It'd be so much more eaiser just to be straight and not be bullied, harassed and judged by others. Why would someone chose all that? They don't. So how can it be considered a sin? It doesn't make any sense. . .

Rose

Re:
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 3:16 pm

Even though the scripture obviously looks against homosexuality, i feel like God CREATED these homosexual people. they can't help it. God created them this way. I don't support homosexuality, but I can't help but feel bad for people when they are bullied and picked on because of their sexuality. just my opinion :)

Tracy

(no subject)
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 3:21 pm

homosexually is a sin!!! 100%

Katie Sarah

Comment
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Clearly it is a sin. Jesus is saying however, (in some ways) it is at the same level as lying to your parents. Jesus csn forgive it! We can not ignore it and pretend like it is the unforgivable sin. The Mark Of The Lion series, one of the books is sort of about this. (by Francine Rivers) I would read all three books. Anyway, we should not shun gay people. The Bible says to share our faith and witness to others, it is okay to have gay friends as long as t hey are not your best friend or can infuence you wrongly.

Veronica

I agree
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 4:08 pm

Homosexuality is undoubtedly a sin. End of story. I know it's very tough for some people to accept, though. I know a guy who claims to be a homosexual... and he's always talking about it around me, because he knows it bugs me. I've tried to be kind yet firm. It's very hard.

Chloe

I am still confused
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 4:22 pm

I have read many verses in the Bible which say that homosexuality is a sin. But I still don't understand why it is. I mean, is the emotion a sin or the action that comes from the emotion? Is it possible to be bi, gay, or lesbian and a Christian at the same time?

Nobody

help?
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 5:20 pm

How do I talk to my friends who r gay/les/bi? when i do try to talk to them they say it doesn't matter what they do and to stop trying to get all religious on them cuz they won't change so... yeah

?
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 5:23 pm

can u be gay, les, or bi and be a christian?

Claire

A Sin
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 6:47 pm

Thanks for being brave enough to speak the truth Erin, and thanks for speaking it in love.
Great post!

Emily

Re:
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Thank you for posting this. I live in Iowa where gay marrige is legal and i think it's disgusting. also, im in 8th grade and there are already 5 or 6 gay and lesbian couples. i think that 8th grade is way to young to say that you are gay or lesbian. there are also 4 or 5 girls who are bi. i think that is gross. they are in my dance class and i think its hard for them 2 focus sometimes on the dancing and not on the girls. thanks!

John 8:1-11
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 8:42 pm

My pastor recently talked about John 8:1-11.
I thought this was really cool. In verses 6 and 8 it said Jesus was writing on the ground. Although it doesn't say why, it could've been because the woman wouldn't be able to look him in the eye, so He wrote on the ground to her. Just felt like I needed to share that! :)

Amy

homosexuality
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 9:11 pm

thank you so much for this!! this came literally the day after i found out about this fight between my friends. and this confirmed my beliefs that it is wrong for a man to love another man but when we tell this to others not to be rude or harsh but to be loving and try to explain. we are taught to love everyone, that includes the wrong-doers.

Carolina

Wow.
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 9:25 pm

Thanks Erin,
Until now, I haven't really understood this topic. The whole thing scares me. Thanks for writing about such a sinful issue and the correct response and what God thinks of it.

Arianna

Re:
on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 11:07 pm

i agree that homosexuality is sinful, but only when a person willingly chooses to be such. what i want to know is: is it a sin if that person was born with a chemical imbalance, or something, that causes them to have a homosexual orientation? i mean, when that's the case there's really not much they can do about it, right? it's no their fault and they're not choosing to be that way, so is it really right to hold their sexual orientation against them? to me it does not seem like it would be. i am not in favor (can't think of another, better way to put it) of homosexual acts, however i hold nothing against homosexuals as people (when it isn't their fault, that is).

Mimm

Wonderful!
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 12:02 am

Thank you so much for this post!! This is such a big issue today and really needs to be addressed! Thank you again, and God bless you for all you are doing to help girls like me to grow in their faith.

Leah

fresh light
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Thanks for this post. In the past, I have felt like when it comes to homosexuality, whether we support it or condemn it, somehow we will always be seen as wrong. Of course, God says that homosexuality is a sin, which it is. But I think that a lot of people focus on this so much as a sin that they forget the person underneath the sin. We all struggle with different sins, and they are all sins in God's eye. Many of my homosexual friends believe that all Christians want to do is condemn them and tell them they're wrong. Although it is wrong, this is the wrong approach. We need to show them God's love, which is gentle, does not tolerate sin, but is very forgiving. This is what we must show those that are stuck in this sin, that there is a way out, not just pure condemnation.

Annamarie

jj
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 1:52 pm

I'm not Erin but you still would be a Christian but you wouldn't be folllowing the Lord by doing the wrong way or sex.

Sarah

jj
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 2:14 pm

No, as the Bible says "Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9–10
Its saying that the ´´men who have sex with men´´ and that means gays. Homosexuality is a sin and is condemned by God.

Claire

Can They be Christians?
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 2:39 pm

The Bible is very clear on the fact that whoever is saved gets to go to heaven, and the Bible is very clear on the fact that gay and lesbian people can not enter the kingdom of heaven, until God gives them a new heart. If a gay or lesbian becomes a Christian i believe God will reveal to them through his Word or through someone what their doing is wrong, if they don't change after they know it's wrong then it's pretty clear their not concerned about what God says and this is not a gray area, if their not concerned then their not Christian, because the Bible says this is how we know we love God if we love Him and keep his commandments. In Erin's next post she talks about Rene who when she was saved it radically change her life, this is the truth let's not blur the line the truth about homosexuality is the same Today as it was when the Bible was written, telling people they can be both gay/lesbian and Christian is deceiving them, lets speak the truth no matter what happens to us, because Jesus is worth it, let pray for each other for strength to speak the truth and grace to speak it in love.

Chloe

Re:
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 6:11 pm

I have reconsidered about what I posted yesterday and I think that I was wrong. Although we may not understand why God says that homosexuality is wrong it still doesn't matter, we should do our best to obey him. This could mean controlling our emotions and maybe even pulling away from the girl who we're attracted to. Fortunately for me, I'm barely attracted to my friend so I don't think that it's necessary for me to stop being friends with her. She is also a Christian so that helps a lot too. As far as being friends with homosexuals I think that that's fine because God has said to love our eniemies so as long as they aren't pressuring us to be attracted to the same sex, which my friends aren't pressuring me, then there should be no problem. Do you agree with this Erin? Or are there some things that I'm misunderstanding? I'm still a little bit confused on what exactly God means on some of the things having to do with homosexuality, such as whether or not we can be friends with them.

cupcake

Re: Some random chick
on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 7:59 pm

Hi, i will pray for those girls that God will soften and humble their hearts toward him and that they will know his love and come to accept him,

xoxoxo

Some random chick

Re: cupcake
on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 6:29 pm

thank you so much! i really appreciate it! God bless!

annamarie and sarah
on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 1:32 pm

thanks!! that helped clear things up :)

Megan

Re:
on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 6:41 pm

I talked to my mum about this when one of my friends "came out". She compared homosexuality to falling in love with a married man: it is not a sin to feel those emotions, but it would be a sin to act upon them.

Rachel

Homosexuality
on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10:01 pm

I just read this article and to be honest, I am torn. Part of me wants to believe that homosexuality is a sin, but I have many homosexual friends and I would never dream of thinking of them as "disgusting" or "gross" as many girls have written on here. In my school district, 3 homosexual teenagers have committed suicide in the past three months because of bullying. If they had a "choice" do you really think they would have made it t be gay? I don't mean to offend anyone with my questions, but it seems like everyone asks these questions of me and I want a legitimate response.

Some random chick

the "if they're born with it" battle...
on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 6:34 pm

Alright, here's how I see it: we're all born with sin, right? When we get saved, we admit to God that we know we are sinners and ask Him to help us overcome those sins. Well, lying is a sin. We are born with it in our hearts. BUT, that does not mean we cannot control the urge to lie, even in a tough situation where lying would seem to make it so much easier, IF we ask God for His help. I believe homosexuality is the same way: some people may honestly be born with a homosexual urge in their heart. It is sin, and -- just as with lying -- with God's help, it can be overcome. It may be harder to overcome than other sins, I wouldn't really know because thankfully I've never struggled with homosexual feelings, but maybe someone else has a really bad problem with lying like I use to. It all depends on what your weakness is because whatever it is, Satan will find it, and he will not let it go. But that doesn't mean it can't be overcome! Not if we have God! I overcame my lying habit! WITH. GOD'S. HELP!

As Rachel was saying, she can't picture some of her homosexual friends as "gross" as some of the other girls on here wrote. And I get what she means because I use to be friends with a few bisexual girls and I don't think of them as gross. They don't recognize that it's a sin and that they CAN overcome it -- one of them believes in God, the other does not -- so I pray for them because that's about all I CAN do.

God says homosexuals will not be able to inherit the kingdom of God, and so that's why people think that it's impossible for a homosexual to be a Christian -- God also says liars will not inherit the kingdom of God. Can any one of you honestly tell me that you have NEVER told a lie? All of us have and WE'RE still considered Christians! We're no better than someone struggling with homosexual feelings! I believe that if there is someone who struggles with homosexual feelings and they have asked to be saved, then God will show them that homosexuality is wrong, and THEN it is up to them to decide whether or not to combat their homosexual feelings. If they decide to ask for God's help to combat them and eventually overcome them, even if they still get homosexual temptations BUT don't give in to them, then they are saved. However, if they choose to just say "Yeah it's wrong but I'm saved so I don't have to give it up." then that's when they're NOT saved. (Again, that's just MY stance on it, God is the only one who's allowed to say whether or not someone gets in to Heaven.) I held on to an ungodly obsession with a certain occult television show for about 5 years, and I just gave it up yesterday. I dragged my struggle out into the light, I had an emotional breakdown where I was crying and my teeth were chattering and I couldn't stop them, I asked God for forgiveness, then I got "re-saved" for about the billionth time last night -- and I don't plan on back-tracking and messing things up with that same occult TV show ever again. I finally -- FINALLY -- after years of struggling and going back and forth with this same sin, decided to give it up and obey God. And now, I believe that I am saved. This is not to say that I will never get tempted by this same sin or same specific occult TV show ever again, it just means that when I am tempted I will not give in, but will instead cling to God and/or His Word and resist the temptation.

This is my stance on the whole thing, I hope that if someone reads this, it can maybe help someone who is struggling with either homosexual feelings, or just with deciding what they think about whether someone who gets tempted by homosexual feelings can be saved :)

Rachel

RE: some random chick
on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Thank you so much. That was a very kind and respectful way of approaching this topic and I greatly value what you have said :D

God Bless

Some random chick

RE: Rachel
on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 6:30 pm

You're very welcome! :)

God Bless you, too!

Twila

sin
on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 4:44 pm

Thanks for this. Comparing it to other sins (such as lying) was really hopeful. I don't think people can be born "gay." If they were, what about 100 years ago, or more when this issue didn't exist? There weren't "gay" people back them.

@Rachel. Your friends probably aren't gross, just what they're doing is gross. I have a good friend that likes to go hunting and skins the animals and everything. I don't think of her as gross, just what she's doing. Personally, I think WHAT gay people do sexually is gross not the people themsevles.

Rachel

RE: Twila
on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 5:07 pm

How is what they do any different on a "gross" level than any sexual relationship? I think have gotten to know several lesbian girls very well and I have had to resign myself to the idea that NONE of us knows what is right or wrong in God's mind. I also see many comments about how if these girls (or guys) repent than they can be saved, but with the way that many Christians treat homosexuals, how can you EVER expect them to come willingly to the Kingdom? Through God's grace alone can these girls change (if that is his will), but we are certainly not making it any easier for Him by condemning their way of life.

Audie ; )

Homosexuality
on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 3:53 pm

I believe that what God says about homosexuality is very true. Some people when they hear me say that they think that i am racist and hateful. i'm really not. i don't hate them and i could be friends w/ a homosexual person easily. i just dont think what they do is right. Dang! i had a teacher last year who was homosexual and she was like the best teacher ever.she was nice and always was willing to be friends with anyone she met. i miss her but i do wish that she had not gone down that path : (

Krista

guilt
on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 8:26 pm

ive had some experiences with homosexuality when i was in 2nd grade since since ive made that horrible dicision i just cant let go of it i havent told anybody but i think about it all the time should i talk to my parents...... i cat though i know they wont understand it was like 6 years ago but i still feel the guilt... and im still havin trouble with it... HELP!!!

krista

help
on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 9:16 pm

could you plz plz reply quickly

Erin Davis

Krista
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 2:40 pm

I am sorry it took me a while to respond.

I think you are right that you need to tell someone. This is Biblical. Part of the reason why God gave us the church (i.e. other believers) is so that they can help us when we are struggling with a pattern of sin.

James 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

What does this verse promise will happen when we confess our sin? We are healed! It sounds like you are in desperate need of healing, girl. I know it is scary to consider telling someone. But consider the alternative...continuing to feel what you are currently feeling.

Please talk to your parents. I find that it helps to write things out first and then give the letter to the person while I sit there and wait for their response. You might just print off the comment you left here and give it to your parents as a way to start that conversation.

Remember, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Phillipians 4:13).

Let me know how it goes.

Erin

Krista

Re:
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 8:54 pm

thx so much i needed the courage to do that. i did it it went really well better than i expected. my mom understood everything!!

Erin Davis

Krista
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 10:20 pm

I am proud of you.

Erin

lovethyneighbor

Re:
on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 5:36 pm

the thing is, not everyone is a christian, there are many different religions in this world. many people are christian and that is wonderful. many people are muslim, jewish, pagan, athiest, buddhist, and so on. those can be wonderful things too. just as there are many wonderful straight and gay people in this world. you can't force everyone to believe the same things as you. they are not bad because they believe something else. just as you are not bad for believing in jesus. it makes you seem insecure and ignorant in your faith to claim otherwise. also, the bible says many things that modern day christian don't abide by. you are a cafeteria christian, picking and choosing the passages that suit your cause.

Carly

Re:lovethyneighbor
on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 11:10 am

As Christians we do/should not treat others of different religions with hatred... it simple comes down to that "unless you be born again, ye CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God"!!!! All of those other people will never live in heaven with Christ, because they have chose to follow after false gods!! For every action there is a consequence whether good or bad. The consequence for living a life in sin (or following after false religions) is hell! Yes, you are right...there are many things that some christians now a days dont abide by in the Bible... :( We are called, as christians, to live a holy life fashioned after Christ! I hope this helps!

Kiandra

Homosexuality
on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 6:10 pm

This post really caught my eye, being that I've been struggling with homosexuality for a while now. I know now that homosexuality is wrong, but I'm finding it really hard to shake the feelings that i'm having. How do you walk away from something like this?

Lorree, with the LYWB team

re: Kiandra
on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 4:22 pm

I appreciate your transparency and your desire to do the right thing in the area of your thoughts and emotions, Kiandra! Agreeing with God about this sin is the first step. As you confess your sin to Him, He is faithful to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). As Erin said in an earlier post, one of the best things you can do, now, is to confess your sin to someone. Share how you are struggling. They can help you, pray for you, encourage you and hold you accountable to not returning to that lifestyle again. There is something powerful in the secrecy of our sins. Once we confess our sin to another person and bring it out into the open, it doesn’t seem to have as much power over us anymore.

God tells us to flee from even a hint of sexual immorality. You are struggling with your thoughts and your feelings. It would be good for you to evaluate what triggers your thoughts and emotions. If it is movies or songs or books or relationships, then you need to remove those from your life. Really guard your eyes and your ears in order to protect yourself from being tempted. When those temptations do come to you, it is good to have a scripture that you can use to defend yourself from those temptations. God tells us that whenever we are tempted, He will provide a way of escape so that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). Scripture is powerful and is the weapon Jesus used in His battles with Satan (Lu. 4:1-13). It is available for us to use in our battles with the enemy as well.

Philippians 4:8 is a fantastic verse to memorize in your attempts to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. It says: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I’ve prayed for you today, Kiandra. I trust the Lord to show you who you can trust to help you through this. He truly can give you victory in this area. His grace is sufficient in our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Serving Him,
Lorree

Ashley R

anonymous
on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 3:08 pm

I completely agree with you. But I don't know, God says its wrong, s it must be wrong, but I don 't think being gay or bi is something we can choose. Just like being straight. I'm a girl and i like guys. It just seems gross to look at another girl like that, but maybe its the same with homosexuals. Just vice versa

Dania

confused
on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I have a family member that is going to get married to his "partner" and I've been asked to sing in their wedding. Everything I've ever been taught goes against it, but I recently talked with a close family friend and she said maybe God could be using me to minister to them. I really don't want to be mean to my family member or his partner and I know if I do talk about it it's not gonna go well.(they are really touchy about this subject)I'm not sure what to do!!

anynomous....

i have a question..
on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3:34 pm

thank you, for this article, Erin! the Bible is very clear on this topic, and i'm glad to have some super-clear verses that i can look to if i ever start to wonder if homosxuality really IS a sin. but i have one question....well, we were debating this in speech class, about if same sex marriages should be legal, and i said no, obviously, because the Bible is crystal clear that this sin is detested by God. but everyone said that since Amendment 1 says we have religious freedom, & we have freedom of church & state, our reasonings for banning same sex marriages shouldn't come from the bible. i had no argument to this one....i want to rely on God's truth & not be conformed to the twisted ways of this world [romans 12:2!] but it seems that there is no political reasoning outside of the Bible for banning same sex marriages.

Thanks for your help!
xoxo

Carrie, with the LYWB team

Dania
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 4:13 pm

Dear Dania,

I so appreciate your desire to honor the Lord in this decision! Thank you for being willing to stand for what is right…even when it is difficult.

As Erin has so clearly outlined, homosexuality is a sin. It is against God created order and design to marry a member of the same sex. Participation in a ceremony that is abhorrent to the Lord could easily communicate approval of this lifestyle to your family members and others attending the ceremony – even if though that is not at all your heart. While you can assure these individuals of your prayers and, if asked, speak the Truth in love to them, we would not advise you to participate in the ceremony, Dania.

Persevere in praying for them, Dania; that they might receive the Light of the good news of the Gospel.

Grace and peace,
Carrie

Carrie, with the LYWB team

Anynomous
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 5:11 pm

Anynomous,

I’m so thankful you’re standing for God’s truth in your school! The Lies Young Women Believe team asked a Liberty Counsel staff member ( who deals in this area on a daily basis) to answer your excellent question, Anynomous!

Here’s what he said,

“The First Amendment does protect expression of religious beliefs. That is just one reason why it is perfectly fine to oppose same-sex marriage on Biblical grounds. Whoever said that the First Amendment includes “separation of church and state” is just plain wrong. You will not find that phrase anywhere in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, or any of our founding documents. In fact, although the federal government was prohibited from establishing a state religion, the various states were allowed to and did so for many years after the founding of our country. (Maryland is just one example.) So, there is nothing wrong with opposing a doctrine that is contradictory to the word of God. Our system of laws is founded on the Judeo-Christian legal tradition which has its roots in the Ten Commandments. Therefore, arguing from such a source as the Bible is actually on a greater footing than anything a postmodern jurist would have you to believe.
And there are other reasons to oppose same sex marriage besides Biblical ones. Studies have shown that children do better when raised in a two parent home with one father and one mother. Having two of either is not ideal because the child misses out on certain things that a mother or a father brings to a relationship. These studies have shown that the kids act better, feel better, perform better in schools, and have a higher expectancy of success than children from single homes or same sex homes. And children brought up in a two parent (father/mother) home are less likely to commit crimes or cost society money in the long run. Also, our nation has to have a suitable way to help with adoptions, distribution of property, and other things. Historically, our country has used the institution of marriage as a guide. Not always, but usually. So, enforcing traditional marriage is a way helping out society as well.
And lastly I would add, nothing is stopping gay couples from going to a church, having a ceremony, having friends and loved ones attend, go on a honeymoon, and live together. The only thing that is missing is the state-sanctioned union of such a couple. Government is allowed to pick and choose which ideals it believes is best for society. Since 1776, our country has decided that marriage is a fundamental cornerstone of a good society and should be promoted. In recent decades, with the advent of same sex marriage, traditional marriage is under attack. It is right and good for the government to say it is not going to sanction a lifestyle choice that seeks to undermine the foundational unit of our society. So, there are many reasons other than “The Bible is against it” to oppose same-sex marriage. But, even if that were the only justification, it would be the right answer and you would have every constitutional right to voice that opinion.”

Let us know if there is anything else we can help you with!
Praying tonight you’ll continue to stand strong for His Truth!
Carrie

anynomous

thank you!
on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7:52 pm

thank you so very much! again, today in debate we debated republican vs democrat....and of course, homosexuality was brought up again...& i was able to stand firm and give my reasonings against same sex marriages!
thank you all for your prayers and advice! have a blessed day!
xoxo

Carrie, with the LYWB team

anynomous
on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7:59 pm

Hey, Friend ~

Rejoicing with you tonight! Thank you for standing for the truth of God’s Word, anynomous! We are so proud of you, but far more importantly GOD is proud of you!!

Thanks for letting us know how it went in class today! We just love seeing God answer prayer!

Blessings on your evening ~
Carrie

Care

I have questions...
on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 3:30 pm

I am so glad to be reading this right now. For a while I have been tormented with thoughts that I am a lesbian. I have never ever acted upon it, but sometimes I am so overcome with fear that I am and that "I don't know it" and one day it will consume me. I don't know why this fear is so present. I have friends who I grew up with who came from Christian families and we would read the bible together who are now gay or bisexual. It scares me. So many Christians just ignore the subject because they are afraid to face the truth. I don't want to be that way. Is it just a lie that we believe, it is a spiritual warfare going on, is it something deeper then what meets the eye? What do you do when you are struggling with the thoughts and fears? I would really love if you could give me some feedback soon. I feel so afraid and helpless.

Lorree, with the LYWB team

re: Care
on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:41 am

I hope you read the rest of this series where you can read Rene’s testimony of how the Lord rescued her from the life of homosexuality (http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=614). I may not understand why this is running so rampant right now, but I do know that if we are to stand strong in this battle for our souls, we need to saturate ourselves in the truths found in God’s Word. You are valuable to him, friend! You are created in His image. If He says homosexuality is a sin, then it is and you can trust His word on that! When you struggle with thoughts and fears about how He created you, take those back to the Bible (Ps. 139) to find comfort strength and courage to face your fears (Josh. 1:9). Your fears and doubts do not throw the Lord for a loop. He can handle them.

I encourage you to find someone you can trust – an older godly woman – maybe even your mom – and share your fears with her. You need someone near you that you can meet with, speak openly with, someone to encourage you, pray for you and hold you accountable and keep you pointed toward Truth. I’m praying for you, friend!!!

Razzi

A Different Perspective
on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 11:35 am

Hi, I'm Razzi, and I'm a lesbian. I've known I like girls since I was four. I believe in the power of Christ and accept him into my heart, but I also believe that the love between two women is in no way inferior to the love between a man and a woman. I know the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, but I play that Jesus will love and accept me as I am. I have never liked guys, and I'm not going to live my entire life pretending I do to please Jesus, though I love him. Just wanted to share a different perspective :)

Sarah, with the LYWB team

A Different Perspective
on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 8:41 pm

Razzi…

The question is not the “quality” of your love, but the depth of your obedience. If you loved a married man, perhaps it would be a strong, intense, passionate, long-lasting love, but that would not be a reason for disobedience. God is more concerned about your character than your comfort. Your love for Christ reflected in your obedience to His lordship is a far more valuable treasure than the love between two humans. I encourage you to devote yourself to purity and walking with the Lord so that this truth might fill your head and guide your life. It will not be easy; it will not be popular; it will not be what others would think you ought to do, but it is biblical and shows how much God loves you and wants His highest and best for your life. Will God love you even if you live in disobedience? There is no one on earth that doesn’t disobey in some way. His love is not based on our actions, but on His heart.

Razzi

In Response...
on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:15 pm

But...I don't understand why it is wrong to be gay. It doesn't make any sense to me. Other things that are stated in the Bible to be sins are justified with reasons for why that particular sin shouldn't be done...but the only reason homosexuality is a sin is because God said so. I love Jesus, but I'm not going to follow a teaching that there is absolutely no reason to follow. That doesn't make sense to me.

Love thy neighbor

PLEASE!
on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 6:20 pm

Just as the color of your hair or skin, your sexual preference is decided by your GENETICS. People who identify as being gay or homosexual do not have a choice in who they love. It is unfair to try and force a person out of a trait they cannot change. Imagine for a moment why, for any reason, you have the right to judge another person for the way that they LOVE another person. Homosexuality does not harm any aspect of this world, economy, or marriage. These are real living people who are as dedicated to each other as the oldest couples you know. Please stop spreading the prejudice towards individuals who identify as homosexual. Please don't let your personal opinions choke another's right to live and experience.

Sarah, with the LYWB team

PLEASE!
on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Love thy neighbor...

We disagree with you on many of your points especially since some are not factual. But the only point that really matters is what God says. Those verses are listed above in the post.

Before we can adequately and genuinely love our neighbor, we must love God and His truth.

And one of the scribes came up...and seeing that He answered them well, asked Him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:28-31

Sarah, with the LYWB team

In Response...
on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:08 pm

Razzi...

There are a couple of concerns you probably want to address. Just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t make it false. None of us understand all of God’s truth but God holds us responsible for the truth we know. You have to decide who knows more about life and how it is to be lived—you or the Creator and Sustainer of Life.

Your second concern is God does not say being homosexual is wrong anymore than He says being heterosexual is wrong. God loves both equally. The concern He has for both is whether or not we are obedient to His Word, His will and His purpose. A straight person who practices sex outside of marriage is living in sin. A gay person practicing sex with someone that is not of the opposite sex, and whom he is not married to, is also living in sin. If you want to know the reason God said practicing homosexuality is wrong, you need to see Romans chapter 1 where God spells out His reasons very clearly.

You want to be careful with what you say about God and His truth without knowing what the Bible says. Jesus said, “You do err not knowing the Scriptures.” The Bible clearly teaches “There is a way that seems right unto man, but the way thereof leads to death,” To ignore or to rebel against God’s truth is to put your life and your wholeness and spiritual health in great danger. Remember, your choices and how you live also affect the ones you love.

Miss

Scared
on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Thank you so much, Erin!

Several of my friends, (several of who are Christian) Are "coming out of the closet" that they are lesbian. I am not, and while I still love and pray for them, being around them seems to have a negative effect on me. I know Satan is trying to get into my head now. I am constantly filled with fear that I'm going to become lesbian. I know this is a HUGE lie and that he is just trying to make me fall. I am constantly praying, and although I sometimes feel God's assurance that He is in control, I feel as though the lies are constantly attacking. One of my closest friends who just became lesbian, is one who used to be someone I looked up to and admired spiritually. She was a big influence on me, and I admired her godliness. Now, I am afriad that what happened to her will happen to me. She listened, dwelled on, and is now acting on the lie that homosexuality is okay.

I pray really hard and flood myself with scripture daily; I feel God's presence and know His Truth. Yet, one hour later the fear and the lies come back to attack me. Several times it feels as though I can't breathe. I can't sleep, I can't eat, and I can't focus in school because I am just so full of fear!

I feel silly sometimes because I know the Truth, but I can't seem to get it into my head. What can I do when the enemy is constantly attacking me? I am so afraid!

Lorree, with the LYWB team

@ Miss
on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 1:06 pm

I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing in your heart due to the poor choices your friends are making, Miss! I am encouraged that you are spending time in the Word and in prayer as you continue to choose to walk in God’s ways in your sexual choices and in your responses to your friends. Do you memorize Scripture? That is one way I have found to take my thoughts captive when I am struggling with fears or worry. One verse that has blessed me in regards to fear is found in Isaiah 26:3-4 which says: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” When I feel fear seeping into my thoughts, I quote this to my heart until it is calmed again.

Have you spoken to your mom about how you are feeling, Miss? I encourage you to confide in her or another older, wise woman you may know. It will help you tremendously to have someone to share your fears with, and have them pray for you, encourage you and support you as you walk through this challenging time. I’m praying for your heart to trust God, your desire to continue to stand strong in your faith and the courage to trust an older woman and confide in her.

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