All men have a bend towards sin, but there is an answer...
from Unchristian by David Kinnaman:
"No one goes to heaven because of what they do or do not do. Every human
sins, and we all deserve Hell for that. But Jesus freely offers everyone his
grace.
...homosexual behavior is sin, but it is no different than if I sleep with someone
other than my wife or even momentarily have a sexual fantasy. God created
sexuality, it is good, but it can expressed in wrong ways. Every one of us, gay
or straight or whatever, expresses sexuality in wrong ways. It all comes down
to what you do with Jesus." (pg. 108)
I just finished chapter 5 of Unchristian called "antihomsexual."
It was another hard chapter and humbling chapter to read.
I really had not put too much time or thought into the what the culture, as a whole, thinks about Christians relating to the topic of homosexuality.
Christians have
A. been wrong, too conservative, and mean
B. left people with the wrong idea of what we believe about homosexuality
C. left people with the wrong idea of how we should treat homosexuals
D. hurt people
E. wrong priorities
What we really believe is that homosexuality is a sin, yes, but it is no worse than any other sin.
And Jesus still loves and has mercy on homosexuals, just as he has had mercy on us and forgiven us of our sins.
Bad perception due to real problems within Christianity:
Christians have displayed a special and bad image for the sin of homosexuality. It is "the big one." And Christians have irrationally fought harder against the issue of homosexuality than any other sin/issue.
We have come across as arrogant, uncompassionate, self-righteous, inconsistent, and uncaring to homosexuals. Our method has been ineffective, stupid and dumb. We have repelled young outsiders from church because of this issue. When this happens, it is apparent that we have lost sight of what is really important! Jesus Christ as their answer and salvation!
Stop fighting the sin and show the love, grace, mercy and compassion that Christ would!
Think about it. Homosexuality is a sin, but it is only a sin! You also sin!
We are all sinners. God's gift of grace is what is important! Regardless of our sin, God still loves us.
Don't avoid relationships with people because of their lifestyle. Make relational connections with homosexuals. Stop preaching at them and going to political war with them. Treat them as HUMANS, treat them as friends. It is sad I have to say this! Respect. Love. Grace. Show them Jesus. Build on real relationships.