How should Christian parents handle or treat their gay children? 2 of 2

Balance is required. The Bible states that the gay lifestyle is a sin and yet we are to love sinners. Scriptures tells us that we are in this world and yet we are not to be of it. We are to pursue the holiness of God without being "holier than thou". We must know the scriptural basis for our beliefs and at the same time be wise as to how to live them out. Here are a few verses to consider in understanding what God thinks about homosexuality:

1. Lev. 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

2. Lev. 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood guiltiness is upon them."

3. 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

4. Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Think of this. Just because someone is a gay does not mean that we cannot love him (or her) and pray for him (her). Homosexuality is a sin and like any other sin, it needs to be dealt with in the only way possible. God provided a way of escape from our sins through His Son Jesus. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Parents should pray for the salvation of their homosexual son/daughter the same way they would if they were in in other known sin. Parents should treat them with the same dignity as we would anyone else because, they are made in the image of God. However, (Balance) this does not mean that as a parent you should approve of their sin. Christians should not compromise their witness for a politically correct opinion that is shaped by guilt and fear. Keep these verses in mind

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person," (Col. 4:5-6).

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15)

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith," (1 Tim. 1:5).

You do not win sons/daughters or anyone else for that matter to the Lord by condemning them, avoiding them or calling them names. This is why God says to speak with wisdom, grace, and love. Let the love of Christ flow through you so that those who choose the gay lifestyle can see true love and turn to Christ instead of away from Him.

Tony