How do I deal with people trying to convince me to go back into homosexuality?
Question:
I have led the life of a homosexual all my life and through the grace of God, I become reborn and completely turned my back on that lifestyle. Now, this did not mean that I turned straight in the sense of having a sexual attraction toward females, but it does mean that, although I from time to time am tempted by thoughts, I have learned to takes these thoughts captive and live a celibate life. This of course means more than just interaction with other people.
The problem now is that I am being bombarded by an increasing number of “Christians” who have a very soft approach to this sin and many, including large church groupings, simply don’t even regard this as sin anymore. Apart from what the Word of God teaches about this, I know that I know that I have been convicted of this past sin and when testifying about this, it usually ends up in an argument with those proclaiming that it has now become OK to live in this sin. I still have a few gay friends left and many would regard me as a judgmental and legalistic person because I preach against this. How am I to react toward these “pro-gay Christians?” Should I rather just delete (on Facebook) or avoid them (in real life) when I am faced with this? I hate arguing about this, it just wears one out, and it seems that I am simply not getting through to them.
Thank you and kind regards. I love your website and read your articles often.
Answer:
Congratulations on making a dramatic change in your life. There is an interesting statement in Hebrews concerning Noah: "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Hebrews 11:7). Noah condemned the world, not through his words but through his actions. No one else believed God, yet Noah built an ark and entered it. In your own life, you are making a statement with your actions that other people don't like. They wish to say that those who engage in homosexual sex can't change. By simply being, you are proving them to be wrong, and few people want to be told they are wrong.
The typical response is to find fault with the person who is making them aware they are wrong. The declaration of "judgmental" is self-condemning since they are in the process of judging you. See the irony in their self-righteous condemnation of any who believe differently and smile. The charge of legalism means that they know the rules are against them. I often wonder how many people tell umpires at games that they are too judgmental and legalistic. Think about it, between God and Satan, who desires people not to follow rules? "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). See: Legalism: The Un-Sin
The denominations are drifting far from the truth, but no one has to drift along with them. Truth does not change -- people change and usually for the worse. If you are attending a church that is not teaching the full truth, I would suggest finding a more faithful group.
Everyone deserves to be warned that they are heading in the wrong direction (Ezekiel 3:17-21). We would not have changed from our sins if someone had not warned us. But if someone will not listen, it does not mean we need to waste time convincing them of the truth they have rejected. When Jesus sent out the disciples, he told them to leave towns that would not receive them (Matthew 10:14). Paul said, "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned" (Titus 2:10-11). If a person is not enjoyable to be in contact with, there is nothing wrong with withdrawing your contact.
Notice this is not just a homosexuality issue. The problem and solution are the same regarding those who justify fornication, lying, or any other sin that is popular to ignore.
