In this episode, I answer the question of how we should treat those in the LGBTQ community. This was inspired by a comment from a listener who wanted to know how they should love their gay friend.

It is not a question that the Bible calls homosexuality a sin. Those who wish to deny it will have to jump through many hoops and contort many scriptures in order to come to the conclusion that it is anything but. If the Bible is not useful for revealing truth, and the literal parts should not be taken literally, each individual must define truth for themselves, and that is exactly what we see happening. There are as many "truths" about sexuality as their are people to create them. But for us who do see the Bible as the truth, we are left with the question, "how are we supposed to treat our friends who are participating in sin?"

The first step we have to take is to find out whether this person would consider themselves a Christian, a true disciple of Jesus. This will determine what advice we are supposed to take from the scripture. There are, however, three steps that we should take with those who are struggling with homosexuality, whether they consider themselves a Christian or not.

1. Consider how God sees them. When God looks at any person caught in sin, he sees a lost child. That child may be angry with the world, angry at themselves, angry at God, but they are probably scared and confused because these emotions are byproducts of sin. Better to pity and pursue them with truth than condemn and avoid them. God is the ultimate judge and hates sin more than any of us, but he does not leave people to flounder without help, and we should not either.

2. Pray for them. Prayer is the weapon that no one can stop. It cuts through all defenses and can penetrate any wall. The stubborn heart of a sinner is no match for the persistent prayers of a saint. If you have a friend who is battling the sin of homosexuality, you need to offer them the aid of your prayers. They ought to be many and filled with fervent desire to see a change in the other person.

3. Keep the conversation going. Make sure that they know you want the ultimate good for them. Let them know you love them, that you care about them. They may cut you out of their life if you don't approve of their homosexuality, but don't cut yourself out of theirs. I would suggest that you ask them questions about what they are feeling, what questions they have asked themselves, what prayers they have prayed. They are still a human being and desire to be known and loved, and God has placed you in their life to do just that.

If your friend happens to be part of their church and wants to follow God truly, it may be appropriate to confront them about their sin. This is always better to do with the help of a pastor. If you are a young person, it may be appropriate to talk to your youth pastor and have them talk to your friend with you. If you are an adult, seek the help of your senior pastor. Do not do anything that is going to completely destroy your relationship with the individual.

If they are stubborn and will not hear the truth, the pastor ought to put them out of the church temporarily and you are not to associate with them or even eat with them. This is a hard and explicit command from Paul as you wait for your brother/sister to return to the fold

Our Christian obligation is love for all people. We must do everything we can to see as many people in that community come to know Jesus as the savior, and it starts with a conversation.

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