QUESTION: IS THERE A GODLY WAY TO SUPPORT FRIENDS OR FAMILY IN A HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE?

ANSWER: PASTOR JARED

As Christians who look to Scripture for our final authority, we struggle in our desire to show Christ-like love without compromising Biblical teaching. God clearly communicates that He designed sexual intimacy to only be enjoyed between a man and a woman within the covenant bonds of marriage (Gen 2:24). Homosexual marriage distorts the biblical teaching of both sex and marriage. So how do we respond in a godly way to loved ones who are in a homosexual marriage?

First, we must remember that it is never loving to celebrate something which Jesus condemns. To do so would be ignoring the biblical command to walk in the light (Eph. 5:8). Any show of “support” must not condone sinful behavior. As a Christian I want those closest to me to never offer their support of my sinful behavior, whatever it may be, but instead lovingly call me to repentance and restoration.

Having said that, we are also called to show Christ like love to others. That love looks like speaking truth (Eph. 4:15) when given the opportunity, but it must not end there. Every single part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) can be shown to someone who practices homosexuality. We are also instructed to walk in wisdom towards outsiders (Col. 4:5), so we must study the Bible to see what a wise neighbor, family neighbor, friend looks like. The book of Proverbs is a great place to find those answers.

Finally, the best way to support anyone is to give them a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus died for the person engaged in heterosexual and homosexual immorality alike. No sin is outside the purview of God’s relentless grace. We don’t have to offer our view on sexuality with every encounter with such a loved one, but the gospel should be at the forefront of our interactions with them. Christ’s love compels us to call others to reconciliation (2 Cor. 5). That is the only true support worth offering someone engaged in a homosexual lifestyle.