Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another five good minutes, where I answer your theological questions in five minutes or less. Today’s question is: How do I respond to my homosexual friends and family members?
It’s a critical question because the world we live in often shows growing hostility toward anyone who won’t affirm the prevailing “homosexual agenda.” Yet, as Christians, how do we stand firm on God’s Word while still loving those around us?
- Respond in Love
Loving people doesn’t mean affirming or approving of their sin, just as we don’t affirm anyone else in any other sin. Scripture is our authority, and it forbids us from calling sin “okay.” However, many people see our refusal to affirm homosexuality as hatred or homophobia. Despite that, we must show genuine love without approving sin. This also means we shouldn’t mistreat, malign, or belittle those who identify as homosexual. Every human being is an image-bearer of God and deserves dignity. - Speak the Truth
Real love tells the truth—even when it’s hard. We must make it clear that the Bible calls homosexuality a sin, just like it calls lust, greed, and pornography sins. Lying to someone about what Scripture says would be unloving because it withholds what is ultimately best for them. Homosexuality disrupts God’s good design and brings harm, just as all sin does. - Present the Gospel
When we speak the truth in love, it must lead us to the gospel. Jesus came to save sinners, and that includes everyone—whether homosexual or heterosexual with any number of other sins. We’re all in need of forgiveness and transformation through Christ. - Maintain Relationships, But Know Your Boundaries
We should not avoid our homosexual friends or family members. How can we share truth and love if we never spend time with them? Yet, there’s a difference between being with them and celebrating their sin. Attending or participating in a same-sex wedding, for instance, crosses a line into affirming what God’s Word calls sin. Baking a wedding cake for a same-sex marriage would similarly be an act of support. By contrast, simply selling a cake or having a friendly relationship doesn’t automatically endorse their lifestyle.
Ultimately, we treat all people with dignity and respect as God’s image-bearers, remembering we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. None of us are beyond the grace of Christ. Thank you for watching. This has been another five good minutes.