Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/92

Contributor - Kathy Gerstner

Title - Christian Care for the Homosexual Person

Topic - Homosexuality

A Christian Response

Throughout the past decade much has been written about homosexuality in both the secular and Christian press. Many debate possible causes, cures, gay rights, and morality questions. However, these debates mainly relate to the issue of homosexuality, not homosexual people. For Christians many questions also arise when they encounter a person who is a homosexual. What is the necessary Christian response to a homosexual person? What do we do if we discover a friend or relative is a homosexual? Should we love him the way he is? Should we preach the Scriptures to him? These questions are important and require discussion.

To date there has been no conclusive evidence regarding a cause for homosexuality. Researchers have tried to find a genetic or hormonal cause, but as of yet, have been unsuccessful. The most likely explanation of homosexuality is a number of socialization factors; and there are probably as many specific causes as there are homosexuals. This is significant in that if someone was not created homosexual at birth, but rather learned this behaviour in response to environmental factors, there is greater hope for change. However, this does not mean that change is necessarily easy because it is often very difficult.

The Church's Teaching and Ministry

Another premise upon which this article is based is the Biblical teaching espoused by the Reformed Church in America that homosexual acts are contrary to Scripture. This does not refer to homosexual attractions or temptations, but specifically homosexual acts. Homosexual acts are mentioned a number of times in the Scriptures: Genesis 9:21-17; 19:4-11; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:5;23:17; Judges 19: 16-26; 1 Kings 14:24; 25:22; 22:26; Romans 1:26 ff, I Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:910; and Jude 7. These verses show that homosexual acts are not treated lightly in the Scriptures. The Bible only speaks of homosexual acts and not homosexual orientation. These are different and it is important not to confuse them.

But how do we react to and treat someone who we know is a homosexual? The first and most important thing to remember is that the homosexual is a person. As a person, he deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect that we would give to any other person. We are called to "love your neighbours as yourself', and homosexuals are our neighbours. Homosexuality does not make the whole person, and we need to look beyond this and see the whole person with his gifts, talents, and needs. Like many others, homosexuals are often hurting people. This is not necessarily due to their sexuality, but often, in addition to the more typical needs and pains of people. The same situations and relationships which helped to bring the person to seek homosexual relationships are still unresolved and a source of difficulty, pain, and frustration.

Part of looking at the whole person and his needs is looking at the spiritual well-being of the homosexual. If the homosexual does not claim to be a Christian or seems to lack the understanding of the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he would be looked upon as any other non-Christian, as a mission field. We should strive to show him the love of Christ in all that we do and witness to him of the saving grace of Christ Jesus. This must be the first priority because if we initially attempt to focus on the behaviour, we will be seen as condemning rather than caring. The same is true if we shun or ignore the homosexual. We must be open and welcoming as we are called to reach out as Christ did.

If a practising homosexual confesses Christ as Lord and Saviour, then we need to lovingly confront him with the sinfulness of his lifestyle. We should do this as we would with any other confessing Christian whose lifestyle is contrary to Scripture, i.e., an adulterer. We must be positive and loving - confident that change is possible through a strong desire for change, dependence on God, and the support of friends and loved ones.

Change Not Easy

Although, as stated earlier, it is possible for a practising homosexual to change his behaviour, it is not easy. Homosexuality has often been compared to an addiction such as alcoholism; in order for either a homosexual or an alcoholic to change his behaviour, he must decide for himself that he wants to change and be ready to face numerous obstacles and temptations. The Christian community must stand ready to give the homosexual the support he needs to change his behaviour as well as to continue to support rather than condemn if the homosexual temporarily falls back into sin.

There are also some organizations which are specifically designed to help practising homosexuals resist the temptation of homosexuality and to turn away from homosexual acts. Some of these are: New Beginnings, Exodus International, and Homosexuals Anonymous. For further information on any of these organizations, please contact the Reformed Church Centre.

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