One of the Ultimate Sins

In today's society, I feel pressured to accept homosexuality as "okay". Not only do I feel pressured by society, but I feel slightly pressured by my family. That is because I have a cousin who has chosen that path... We also have several other family friends who have chosen that path too. I used to think that it was okay because God created each person as who they are and we are to accept them they way they are. But as I have grown older and read more of the Bible, I have learned that God did not create us to be attracted to people of the same sex. There are no instances in the Bible where God blessed a same-sex couple, rather He laid His wrath upon them! God blessed the couples who were of different sexes, look at Abraham and Sarah who after some mistakes in putting their wants before God's timing, were blessed with a child. There are many other examples throughout the Bible which support this as well.

How should we handle this sin when it is within our own family? I tyipcally try to stay out of the discussion about it because I know I am probably the only one in my family who does not accept it as "okay", but this cannot be avoided forever. My cousin has said she hopes my move to a more conservative church will not change how I view her and her living decisions. That's exactly what they are... decisions. We all have the ability to stay away from sin if we simply rely on God, but if we give in to temptation, that is when we encounter trouble. My friend once said (about this topic) "I support the person, but not their decision". I think that is the stance that I have to take on this issue, especially if the person is one whom I care about, but I cannot support their decision to live in sin, but I can support and love them as a person.

I have heard churches preach on "keeping homosexuality out of OUR church" to the extent of not allowing homosexuals to step foot in their church. Should we take it that far? I understand not allowing membership to people who choose that path, but should we not allow them to come to our churches so that they could have the chance to hear the truth and realize that their chosen lifestyle is sinful? Yes, God detests this sin, but it does not mean that He will not forgive those living this lifestyle if they truly repent and change their ways. That should be our goal...to spread the truth about this choice that is becoming more and more common rather than trying to keep it out of OUR churches.

Blessings in Christ,