Help for Homosexual Loved Ones

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
—John 3:16

What do we say to friends or family members who are involved in homosexuality? Let me give you three suggestions.

First, devote time to pray for them. It sounds trite, but it’s true. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes people too. Don’t neglect to pray for those you are concerned about.

Second, don’t argue with them. In their minds, the only way to build a bridge with them is to stop believing that homosexuality is a sin. They won’t be satisfied with anything short of that. You see, this issue is not an intellectual issue; it is a spiritual issue. And if someone will not listen to the Spirit of God, they’re not going to listen to you and me. On the other hand, when you have a homosexual friend or family member who is open to the truth, share with them in a loving but firm way what God’s Word says.

Third, demonstrate compassion. This is so important, especially those of you who have children who may be homosexual. I’ve seen Christian parents who find out that their son or daughter is homosexual and they think the best thing they can do is to say, “As long as you engage in that lifestyle, you’re not welcome in our house.” That is a big mistake. No, you don’t have to approve of what they’re doing, but that child needs to know they have a father or mother who loves them. I want my children to know no matter what they do, I’m still their dad and they are always still welcome at my house. And your children need to know that as well. Because there will come a day when that child will hit rock bottom just like the prodigal son did. And they are more likely to take that first step toward home if they know they’re going to be welcome when they’re there. You don’t have to approve of what they’re doing. You don’t have to invite their homosexual lover into your home, but let that son or daughter always know that you love them.

Demonstrate compassion to loved ones who are involved in homosexuality. Yes, homosexuality is a sin, but it is not a sin beyond God’s forgiveness. The gospel applies to all of us who have fallen short of God’s plan. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Bible says we’ve all sinned and none of us is better than anyone else. But that’s why Christ came to die for us so that we might have the forgiveness of our sins. It doesn’t matter what your sin is, God is willing to forgive if you’re willing to ask.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “Why Gay Is Not Okay” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2008.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.