When Homosexuality Hits Home

Introduction:

What would we do if a loved one comes home and announces that they are homosexual? Today, homosexuality/bisexuality is considered chic and exotic. It is considered cool and enlightened to question one’s sexuality. Don’t say this couldn’t happen in your family. Christians are not immune to homosexuality. What can we do if this becomes a problem in our family?

I.      Most people are unprepared for this.

A.     Whether the confession came from child, spouse, or close friend…reaction often is “What do I say now.” And “could I be to blame?”

1.     Impact of learning someone close to you is gay can be as great as if the person died.

B.     Various emotions may come to the surface.

1.     Shock; denial; disbelief; Shame; anger; tears; Depression; guilt

2.     If something like this were to happen – we would need to pray for careful discernment.  See Psa 119:66; Phil. 1:9

3.     Hysteria on your part is not going to build the bridges you need to build.

a)     We must not let our feelings get out of control. Eph. 4:26….in anger…sin not.

II. Get God’s Perspective.

A.     Having a gay loved one is not the end of the world.

1.     Homosexuality is a sin. It is not the worst sin. It is not incurable.

2.     God doesn’t hate homosexuals. He loves them & wants to redeem them.

3.     Lk. 15:1 – Jesus did not condemn prostitutes…He offered them another chance at life.

B.     1 Cor. 6:11 – biblical record of homosexuals changing by the power of God.

III. Keep lines of communication open.

A.     Pro. 18:21 – incredible power in our words.

a)     Not every visit or conversation has to be a sermon. 2 Tim. 2:25

B.     The gay family member will need to know that you are available to talk.

1.     Js. 1:2-5 – pray for wisdom in communicating God’s standard.

C.    Understand that communication does not equal compromise.

D.    Demonstrating love and concern can be done in a number of practical ways:

1.     Our willingness to talk and listen.

2.     Giving a hug or personal touch.

3.     Not turning our back on them.

IV. Go for the heart.

A.     Homosexuality not just about illicit sex.

1.     Being gay is a gospel issue – reflecting the core of a person’s being.

B.     To help a loved one who is struggling with homosexuality – must deal with the heart issues and get them to see the root issues that lead to homosexuality.

C.    Pride, fear, unbelief, anger, rebellion.  Homosexuality is usually a symptom of these things.  See 1 John 2:1-3

V. Get help.

A.     Gal. 6:2 – you will need spiritual support to win this battle.

B.     You cannot handle this alone.

1.     God designed life that way. See Ecc. 4:11-12a

C.    Seek professional advice. Speak with the elders. Seek out spiritual counselors. Look for trusted friends.

Conclusion:

A.     Today, many kids struggle with forming an identity and have chosen homosexuality as the label by which they wish to be known.

B.     2 Cor. 5:17-21 – He continually offers us a new identity.

C.   John 10:10 – there is hope!  God is with us & He is life itself!