Today, the intolerance of anyone challenging the practice of homosexuality, in any form and to any degree, continues by attempts to revise historic Christian teaching. When anyone claims that homosexuality is God’s gift to the Church and to society, then true faithful followers of Christ Jesus must speak up and defend the clarity of the Holy Scriptures.

Those that have fully embraced the Bible in its entirety are a people bound by the Word of God; our conscience is constrained by it, and from this position, we cannot move. While we are not focusing on the sins of others and thereby ignoring our own, neither are we willing to sit silently when our culture calls a behavior, any behavior, acceptable to God and has the blessings of Christianity.

Ultimately, the issue with regard to homosexuality is a Gospel issue. Those who attempt to support homosexual practice from the Bible use approaches to the Bible that do not support the understandings historically held by the Christian church. Nowhere in the Bible will you find one positive statement about the practice of homosexuality. Every time it is mentioned, it is mentioned as a behavior (not unlike many others) in which no man or woman is to practice.

Therefore, as revisionist attacks will undoubtedly continue, true faithful followers of the teachings of Christ must continue to counter attempts to make homosexuality morally acceptable and on par with heterosexuality. Not to do so undermines the historic Christian teachings regarding sexual morality.

Tragically, much of the Church has become desensitized by the bombardment and constant flooding of homosexual imagery through homosexual-related messages, media, and people sharing their stories about ‘gay is good.’ It is an undeniable fact that homosexual imagery has influenced many into thinking that it is just another part of life.

We, the Church, are continuing to pay a very high price due to our reluctance, and sometimes fear, in not talking about and educating ourselves on the subject of homosexuality leaving the culture to teach our children and adults in terms of what to think and believe.

With far too many Christians having mostly ignored the extremely detailed and strategic pro-gay agenda and march, how is it we are surprised by the effectiveness of their propaganda and relentless campaign? For far too long, we, the Church have been in the defense-mode, bobbing and weaving just to fend off the impact of the gay rights movement.

The gay-Christian movement is picking up momentum due to the reinventing of Scripture. It goes something like this: “Revising the Scriptures on homosexuality is appropriate and correct because in light of new scientific evidence, we now understand that people are born that way. Therefore, homosexual behavior and relationships should be endorsed.”

Frankly, both condemning and endorsing homosexuality miss the mark. A huge and significant shift needs to take place. The question is, “Are we, the Church, willing to turn that high-powered perception upon ourselves and ask ourselves some very hard questions?”

• Are we willing to take responsibility for harsh words or inappropriate actions and apologize for any wrongs we may have committed out of ignorance?
• Are we willing to share the Scriptural truths about homosexuality such as: No one is born with same-sex attraction and change is possible?
• Do we, the Church, truly see ourselves as God’s vehicle to reach wounded, broken, hurting humanity – which includes the sexually and relationally broken?
• Are, we, the Church, truly willing to educate ourselves on the complexities of same-sex attraction thereby dismantling the many lies and replacing them with the Scriptural truths about homosexuality?

In other words, might we, the Church, become much more proactive in educating and equipping ourselves regarding true Christian ministry to those with unwanted same-sex attraction? In doing so, we would move from the defense mode of the past several decades to reverse the current tide through understanding and education. I would submit that the real enemy we face today is ignorance and fear.

According to Scripture, there can never be any justification for treating homosexuality as morally equivalent to heterosexuality. That said, we, the Church, are being asked to lower the bar on the clarity of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice which ultimately means faithful followers of Christ Jesus are being asked to set themselves in direct opposition to moral values clearly outlined in God’s Word.

Today, as the saying goes, “The ball is squarely in our court.” We, the Church, cannot and we must not underestimate ourselves. We, the Church, hold the only answer there is to the crisis of homosexuality. In other words, “Are we willing to be the change we wish to see in the world?”

If we, the Church, truly desire to see current trends change regarding homosexuality and the many related issues, our response requires a combination of compassion and understanding. Scripture is abundantly clear in that homosexual practice is only one of the many types of behavior condemned in the Bible. Therefore, to condemn homosexuality really is an expression of compassion because it seeks to warn, if not rescue those snared by the brokenness of same-sex attraction.

There is no doubt the battles will continue, as those who favor homosexuality appear unwilling to concede any ground, at times even defying sound, crystal clear biblical and theological standards and truths. Clearly, today, the Bible is being pushed aside as just another book on the shelf by many. However, the Bible continues to give us the way to eternal life with God and the true answers to victorious living here on earth. The Bible as God’s Book is and shall forever remain the textbook for life where one finds the truths, the ideals, and the inspirations to guide safely through life.

I still believe in and have every confidence in the Church’s ability, through Christ, to lovingly communicate to the sexually broken that God’s mercy and grace are sufficient for transformation.

May God help us on that day when we are asked to give an account of how we responded to the difficult issue of homosexuality so that we might hear Him, say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

Today, many prefer to continue hiding their heads in the sand, hoping the whole issue will just go away. Others have bought into the politically-correct “tolerance” mode by welcoming unrepentant gays and lesbians into fellowship completely unchallenged. Some churches now perform gay marriages and some denominations are ordaining practicing homosexuals.

In all fairness, the Church has a history of reacting badly towards homosexual men and women and homosexuality itself. People struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction heard jokes about gay people from the pulpit, asked to leave the Church, and, at times, told they could never be saved. It is an undeniable fact the harshness and ridicule from the Church drove many away.

“They pile up back-breaking burdens and lay them on other men’s shoulders – yet they themselves will not raise a finger to move them.” (Matthew 23:4)

Right now, there are powerful forces at work with regard to homosexuality and related issues, both earthly and in the heavenlies. There can be no doubt to the accomplishments of the enemy with his divide and conquer techniques. Today, many are now worshipping a man-created Jesus that requires absolutely no sacrifice, makes no demands of any kind or type of obedience, and is completely silent with regard to sexual sin. Does this not qualify as a pagan religion?

Admittedly, we are all in the process of becoming more Christ-like. A process that will continue in each of our lives until we either go home to be with Jesus or He comes back to get us. That said, I am convinced to be Christ-like requires that you and I be willing to enter into the realm of not compromising godly love or Scriptural truth. It means holding to a Biblical position with regard to homosexual practice but doing it in a Christ-like way.

Personally, with each passing day, I become more and more concerned largely due to many giving into the acceptance of both sin and sinner. Today, many are just finding it easier to swing to the extreme left or right, rather than commit to the time and effort to find a Biblical resolution to this problem. This has contributed to a huge divide in the Church.

Go with me here for just a second. Suppose you are “the one” having combatted unwanted same-sex attraction for years. You have spent years in shame and fear hoping you would just snap out of “the condition.” Then, you hear there is a whole community out there of people just like you. They get it; you are not alone. You can be yourself there. You can be open about your sexuality. There are clubs and churches for people just like you. Finally, you decide, “Here I go!”

The sense of connection and camaraderie is huge and compelling. Consuming to the point of “I finally belong to somebody” which carries with it the fragrant power of being wanted. I fully understand and agree completely that the conclusion one must surrender and resign oneself to the gay identity and culture is all wrong but I equally understand the forces and power of having arrived at such a conclusion.

The Apostle Paul has given us every reason for hope with regard to homosexuality in 1st Corinthians, Chapter 6, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…sanctified…justified…by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Many remain very vocal in their proclamation that God can do the impossible. Do we still believe that? Especially, when it comes to the brokenness of same-sex attraction? Is it any wonder the man or woman struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction is completely confused about the Christian viewpoint?

I, for one, refuse to lower the bar on the Biblical fact and reality that God continues to do what the world considers impossible. God continues to offer new life to all who are willing to receive it.

When Nehemiah was told that Jerusalem was in ruins, he was devastated. Ultimately, he went there, surveyed the damage to the city, and wept over what he saw. He gathered allies around himself and said: “We have to rebuild.”

This is a time for all men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction to have allies. Someone they can talk to; a friend, counselor, pastor, a church – someone that will be with them. A compassionate individual that need not be an expert on the topic of homosexuality. The Church remains God’s instrument in helping those afflicted with same-sex attractions to become comfortable and sound in their true God-given roles.

We, the Church, have gotten too far off track regarding homosexuality. It’s time to rebuild. You and I have experienced the trials and difficulties of this world so that we will be qualified to help others.

“God who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in ‘any trouble’ with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

I am completely convinced that God is asking His Church to change and rebuild our own walls by opening our hearts to the sexually broken. Those who struggle with same-sex attraction need to be loved, to be embraced in fellowship, and to be known for who they truly are, not based solely on their sexuality.

Change and the redemption road can often be unpleasant and difficult. However, it is a journey always worth taking. Homosexuals are being asked to change and rebuild the walls of their lives. How about we, The Church, rebuilding some of our own walls?

How we oppose homosexuality is as important as opposing it.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

How is it that many people of faith are confused asking, “Is same-sex marriage really that big a deal?”

If you believe in the traditional view of marriage and are convinced it is worth defending, then yes, it is a big deal. Why? Because the bedrock institution of traditional marriage has survived thousands of years across all cultures producing the best outcomes for children and society at large.

Frankly, all of the flurry with regard to same-sex marriage, and more specifically, the attack on marriage that we continue to witness on every front of society, strikes at the heart of the character, the authority, and the redemptive plan of God. Ultimately, the crisis we currently face and the crisis we have been facing for quite some time has not been about nor is it presently about same-sex marriage.

In this current climate, I believe the faithful Christian church is called by God to assert its Biblical position that sexuality is God’s good gift and that sexually chaste relationships are both possible and desirable, and that sexual passion is designed to be expressed only between a man and a woman in the context of a lifetime marriage. Ultimately, search the totality of Scripture and you will not find one positive statement about homosexuality – in any form – to any degree.

Herein lies the true crisis. For anyone to identify as a true faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Do I accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do I not? Do I accept Scripture as a revelation from God, or do I trust in human knowledge, human learning, human understanding, and human reasons? Or, putting it more simply, do I, as a faithful follower of Christ Jesus, pin all my faith to, and subject all my thinking to, what I read in the Bible?

When Scripture speaks a clear word on any given topic, it speaks the final word. I pray we all would stop trying to explain why God has spoken in the way He has; the essential issue is what He has spoken.

If we redefine marriage to include same-sex marriage, is there any logical reason for us not to redefine marriage in other ways? There are those that are already demanding equality that promotes polygamy or group marriage. If marriage can be redefined to include two men or two women, why not allow marriage between a man and four women, or a group of six or seven adults and their various children?

Today, a popular error that has been made and continues to be made by many, is the attempt to blur the lines with regard to Christian ethics making “love” an omnipotent spiritual quality that has the power to validate anything that is done in its name. Under this particular line of thinking, one could justify any type of relationship, including those considered unacceptable and incompatible with Christian teaching and conduct.

Let us also consider the familiar, popular question, “What would Jesus do?” with regard to same-sex marriage?

It is extremely important to remember that Jesus reached out to sexual sinners frequently. However, He at no time ever attended or participated in any kind of ritual that celebrated immorality.

Today, the words intolerant and discrimination are powerful words and often used to squash any opinion about moral behavior. In fact, not only is the demand today to keep our opinions to ourselves as to what people do, the equal demand is to affirm a long list of various lifestyles no matter how questionable or experimental.

Compassion, communication, and care must be exercised with regard to the subject of same-sex marriage. That said, do we as a society really have the right to redefine marriage so it is elastic enough to include any grouping of adults?

Ultimately, showing support for, and more importantly, standing upon The Authority of Scripture “for marriage between one man and one woman” is not intolerant. If so, then nature itself would be intolerant. Marriage was established by God Himself and as a result, cannot be redefined by each new generation.

Same-sex marriage: on what Biblical basis?

None.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

The Oxford American Dictionary defines “silence” as, “absence of sound; avoidance or absence of speaking or of making a sound; the fact of not mentioning something.”

Today, while a segment of the Church continues to consciously and deliberately avoid the subject of homosexuality, God, however, is not silent and has never been silent. As true faithful followers of Christ Jesus, we take the Bible in its entirety or not at all. We do not have the luxury of randomly selecting portions of Scripture and discarding the rest. God’s Word is not a thing that a person can push around at their convenience. The Bible is a Voice, a Word, the very Word of the living God.

The Church must call homosexual practice sin, and that will remain offensive to many. We cannot water down God’s Word. There is no doubt our courage will be tested, there will even be times when some must stand alone and defend what is right. As Paul said to Timothy: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.” (2 Timothy 4:16)

Today, maybe more than ever, a true faithful follower of Christ Jesus has crucified his rights and is willing to be completely and fully led by God’s Spirit. He fears God, that is, he has a healthy awe and respect for God and does not take God lightly. We, as God’s people, should not be out to advance the claims of a church, of a nation, of an ideology, but of Jesus Himself. There can be no true compassion, integrity, and outreach if the Name, the teachings, the promises, the life, the death, the resurrection, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit are not proclaimed – and, proclaimed to the virtually untouched mission field around the world called ‘the gay community.’

What is stopping so many today in defending the Authority of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice? Is it fear of being beaten in an argument? Fear of not knowing what to say? Fear of messing it all up? Such fears are groundless. Christians are not in the business of “winning the argument.” People are not argued into the Kingdom of God. What is eloquent and pierces a heart and soul is the personal testimony of someone whose life has been transformed by Christ. This is exactly what excites and captivates the imagination and interest. Not being well versed or educated on the subject of homosexuality is no excuse for remaining silent. We each have our own story to tell.

Few things are more effective than people who learn how to be “a friend (who) loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) while not being afraid to uphold God’s truth that “better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5)

I would submit that the calamity and dilemma many professing Christians face today with regard to homosexuality is not unlike a time when Elijah spoke and said: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. (1 Kings 18:21)

Today, more than ever, we are in need of Christians that will not sidestep truth or grace but offer crystal clear truth on a host of issues, including homosexuality, toward every person. Frankly, this is exactly what the Church was called to be from the beginning and it is exactly what people are looking for today. It is a Church just like this that saved my life.

Many know and understand the importance and significance of reaching the unreached peoples of the world for Christ Jesus. What about the unreached homosexual population? We, the Christian community, have a lot to learn about bringing Jesus to the gays and lesbians who hopefully will one day knock at the doors of our churches. How about, “If you struggle with homosexuality and feel trapped – there is hope! Come on into Church and investigate the roots and causes of your struggle with homosexuality. We will walk with you as you look past the surface, deep into your heart, and consider God’s will for your life.”

It is the clarity of the Holy Scriptures that should compel each and every faithful follower of Christ Jesus to be a light where there is darkness, rather than hiding our witness from those who need it.

Luke 6:45 tells us, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If we truly care about the eternal destination of a multitude of men and women, snared and deceived by the brokenness of same-sex attraction, we will not be silent.

Silence cannot and must not be an option.

Consider: Did God keep Himself in icy isolation from your predicament? Did He say, “They are probably all right as they are”?

The ultimate issue for the homosexual is the same as it is for every individual. “Where do they stand? Are they dead in sin or alive in Christ?” Therefore, we must not withdraw, we must not be silent.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, the U.S. Senate received 27 personal testimonies of once LGBTQ-identified individuals detailing their opposition to the Equality Act because it discriminates against them.

Let’s pray that this bill gets totally defeated and that God makes a way for more personal stories to be seen and heard by legislators.

My Testimony

The Honorable Chairman Dick Durbin and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley
Senate Judiciary Committee
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20001

Dear Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Grassley:

On Wednesday, March 17, 2001, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on the Equality Act. I am writing to express my opposition to this bill and share with you how it would have a direct negative effect on me and others like me.

While homosexuality is a topic I speak to and about both professionally and personally, I remain confident that many today are not aware there continues to be men and women with unwanted
same-sex attraction that have and are making the personal decision to leave homosexuality.

As a result, formerly gay-identified men and women are often reviled simply because they dare to exist.

Should not diversity and tolerance be a two-way street by recognizing and including the once gay-identified man or woman? We are real and we are here. Therefore, I must express my growing concern regarding the Equality Act and the often widespread intolerance practiced against those who choose to face and break free of the snare of same-sex attraction.

Thirty-five years ago I said goodbye to homosexuality and the gay identity. Like all faithful followers of Christ Jesus, I had to face the decision of accepting or rejecting Christ’s Lordship. Coming out of homosexuality required deep emotional healing and a restructuring of my whole identity, as our Creator, God is the only One who knows exactly how to restore our personality.

I remember so vividly when coming to know Christ at the age of 35, what it meant for the first time in my life to be a man. But more importantly, what it meant to be a godly man. For me to deny or not share what Christ has done in my life would be the equivalent of denying Him.

Thankfully and gratefully, I am far from the only individual who has experienced change. God has not been silent to the cries of men and women wanting freedom from homosexual feelings and behavior. Many have experienced the restorative power of Christ during their same-gender struggles.

One gay activist challenged me by stating, “Phillip, while I commend you regarding your concern about intolerance, I just can’t get my head your being ex-gay. Why don’t you just be true to yourself?”

“Be true to myself?” I replied. “That is exactly what I am doing.”

What makes one individual happy and content may not make someone else happy, because we are all individuals. Like any man or woman, I deserve the right to self-determination and happiness. To give sexual orientation protection to one group while excluding another is outright discrimination.

Without testimony from all sectors of society, including the ex-gay community, public policy on the topic of homosexuality is seriously flawed.

Formerly LGBTQ-identified men and women are routinely denied equal access to participate in public school events and present on diversity days.

Ex-gay conferences, workshops and seminars are frequently picketed by pro-gay protesters.

Transgender individuals are affirmed for changing their gender, but formerly LGBTQ-identified men and women are ridiculed for making the choice to address and pursue any degree of change with regard to sexual orientation.

Ex-gays are subject to an increasingly hostile environment where they are labeled as perpetrators of hate simply because they advocate for or live out a different belief and view of homosexuality.

Ex-gays are criticized and face lifelong intolerance for existing as living proof that homosexuality is not innate.

Frankly, the welfare of individuals, society, and the Church depends on our facing the subject of homosexuality honestly, compassionately, and courageously.

Yes, homosexuals have the right, as do others, to believe that homosexual behavior should be accepted as normal. However, they do not have the right to demand everyone agree with them.

True love is loving despite our differences and treating each other with kindness and respect.

It means to live in a society in which freedom of speech and religion are guaranteed.

A true code of ethics calls us to treat all people – heterosexuals, homosexuals, pan-sexuals, bisexuals, etc. – with compassion, and to do our utmost to promote justice and wellness for all. As a result, love and justice are the primary fundamental values which should govern our public policy concerns, as well as our personal attitudes and actions. Not only how we treat people as individuals, but the kinds of laws and social policies which we promote must reflect these basic values.

Ultimately, the Equality Act greatly concerns me in that many may get what they want through the Act but will they get what they truly need.

Respectfully,
Phillip Lee
Bakersfield, California

Whether the confession comes from a son or daughter, spouse or close friend, the admission of homosexuality hits like a bombshell, especially in Christian homes. Instantaneously, life seems completely out of control. You are now headed in a direction you never, ever thought you would be going.

Without fail, a week does not pass without my receiving at least one phone call or email expressing, “Well, I sure didn’t think I would ever be faced with this!” The majority of calls and emails come from pastors and parents due to a child’s or congregation member’s confession of same-sex attraction. Homosexuality always seems to be someone else’s problem until it knocks on your front door.

How well I remember having to make the above declaration to my parents. While my confession occurred many, many years ago, I recall, vividly, having to pick my mother up from the kitchen floor. The ironic truth is that while I felt an immediate sense of relief that “the problem” was now out, my parents, friends, and family members were instantly projected into a state of fear, bewilderment, and consumed by a myriad of emotions.

Once the initial impact has subsided a bit, while Christian families know God is the answer, it still takes a long time for them to wrap their mind around how to engage God in what they perceive as needing to be done. Make no mistake, when someone we know confesses their same-sex attraction, many Christians struggle with how to maintain a Christ-like manner and position.

Every individual that awakens to their issue of same-sex attraction has already been through quite a heart-wrenching process and therefore it really doesn’t matter whether the individual has embraced the gay identity or is still combating and resisting temptation as well as seeking freedom from same-sex attraction. Very often parents will respond to the crisis by focusing on their own pain and a deep sense of loss forgetting the individual plagued by same-sex attraction has already experienced a huge amount of pain and loss.

Speaking from experience, having waded through years of healing, discipleship, study, and surrender (at times, daily), when homosexuality hit my family, as it has a multitude of others, it brought pain, indescribable pain, and misunderstanding along with it. Largely, because (way back then), no one knew anything about the behavior. Frankly, the only comment anyone offered was, “It’s wrong!” Today, just like then, “that’s not good enough and completely unacceptable.”

Not long ago, a Christian friend and mother I have known for many years wrote me and once again uttered the expression I have heard so many times during the 21 years of His Way Out Ministries, “I never thought I would be contacting you with a problem of homosexuality in my family.” The mother was understandably shattered. Initially, while the mother did respond and react appropriately standing upon the right Scriptures, the son responded with a very interesting and revealing remark. He said, “Mom, you keep telling me how hard this is for you to hear and deal with. Don’t you realize how hard it has been for me these many, many years, being raised in a Christian home and knowing that once this got out it would kill you? Ultimately, I had to make a decision that I knew nobody would be happy with. Please consider and realize that I have my own demons to fight.”

Frankly, there is a great deal of truth in the son’s comments. Whether we agree or not with the son’s ultimately decision or conclusion that he is gay and entitled to act upon his feelings and desires (which I certainly do not), we must admit that he was right in saying he had reached his conclusion after going through quite an intense struggle on his own. It is very important to remember within the evolvement of same-sex attraction that homosexual tendencies are discovered but the gay identity is ultimately embraced. And, there is a considerable difference between the two.

When any individual discloses their battle with same-sex attraction, their confession enables an intriguing and powerful opportunity to the family and really to anyone that becomes aware. Can I truly continue to love him for who he is and not for what he does? As a Christ-follower, if we are becoming effective in not putting unrealistic expectations on ‘anyone,’ we are in line to accept them for who they are, not for what we wish they were. It is God’s part to give those that struggle with same-sex attraction abhorrence for the behavior – an abhorrence that will bring them to a place of complete surrender to the sovereignty of God in their lives and a desire to change.

While there are no specific verses in the Bible telling us under what circumstances, if any, we should adopt this or that policy toward a homosexual loved one, let’s consider a few specific communications that need to be offered with the hope and endeavor of keeping the lines of communication open. What the Bible says and why you disapprove of homosexuality every time you are with your child, friend, co-worker, etc., is not necessary state. However, do make sure the individual knows the following:

• You understand that he/she did not ask for these feelings.
• You appreciate their honesty and transparency in disclosing their issue with same-sex attraction.
• Your belief regarding homosexual practice as sin is not going to change.
• You want to protect your relationship through mutual respect and understanding.
• While you may never agree on the subject of homosexuality, you are committed to not letting that disagreement ruin your relationship.

As faithful followers of Christ Jesus, we must never affirm homosexual practice. But we can at least affirm the fact that the individual struggling with same-sex attraction has tried to be honest with us and has taken quite a risk in telling us, knowing it is not what we wanted to hear.

How well I remember disclosing my own battle with same-sex attraction and giving my family every reason to write me off. Frankly, there was no reason for my family to ever think I would repent and turn completely away from homosexuality. Thankfully, sometimes when God calls us to release a family member or friend through a prayer of relinquishment, that doesn’t mean He is releasing them as well. God is saying: “Do all you can do, continue to love them and wait.” Indeed, dealing with the discovery that someone you love has same-sex attraction issues is a difficult stewardship, but the God who gave us this stewardship has also equipped us to handle it and maintain a Christ-like attitude.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Please consider making a donation at www.hiswayout.com/donate. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee