Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men. – 1 Corinthians 6:9
Understanding God’s Design for Relationships
In discussions about our relationships, we explore the blueprint that God has laid out for us. The Bible presents a clear understanding of how God designed relationships to function, focusing on heterosexual unions, reflecting His creative order. Love, commitment, and mutual respect are core elements of any relationship, which are best expressed in the companionship of a man and woman. By appreciating God’s design, we discover how our relationships can fulfill His purpose and lead us to grow deeper in our faith.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. – Genesis 2:24
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:4-6
Ephesians 5:31
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. – Ephesians 5:31
Malachi 2:14
You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. – Malachi 2:14
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. – 1 Peter 3:7
Rejecting Sin in All Forms
As we grow together in faith, we develop an understanding that the Bible addresses sin directly. It is not simply about individual actions but reflects the heart behind those actions. When we stray from God’s design, we face consequences, spiritually and relationally. We must confront and reject all forms of sin, including actions contrary to His teachings. This rejection is rooted in love for God and the desire to live according to His will.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Romans 1:26-27
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. – Romans 1:26-27
Leviticus 18:22
Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. – Leviticus 18:22
Jude 1:7
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. – Jude 1:7
1 Timothy 1:9-10
We also know that the law is made not for the righteous, but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine. – 1 Timothy 1:9-10
Living in Holiness
Living a life of holiness is a significant calling for us as followers of Christ. We are invited to reflect God’s purity in our actions and relationships. It is through His grace that we can strive for holiness. We aim to uphold God’s standards in the way we live our lives, choosing compassion and understanding while still adhering to His truths. By pursuing holiness, we exemplify Christ’s love and righteousness.
1 Peter 1:16
For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. – Hebrews 12:14
Colossians 3:5-6
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. – Colossians 3:5-6
Romans 6:12-13
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. – Romans 6:12-13
Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. – Ephesians 4:1
The Heart of Repentance
When we recognize how we have fallen short of God’s will, our hearts should turn towards repentance. A genuine desire for change and a close relationship with God accompany this repentance. It’s essential for us to embrace a life marked by humility and a longing to align ourselves with God’s purpose. Repentance brings healing and restoration, opening the door to God’s grace, allowing us to walk in His ways more closely.
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. – Acts 3:19
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. – Isaiah 55:7
Luke 15:10
In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:10
Speaking Truth in Love
As we engage with others about difficult subjects such as homosexuality, we must approach the conversation with love and truth. The Bible teaches us that speaking the truth in love is vital for building one another up in Christ. We are called to show compassion while not compromising our beliefs. We can encourage others toward a Christ-centered life by sharing God’s word and embodying His love.
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. – Ephesians 4:15
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. – 2 Timothy 4:2
Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. – Galatians 6:1
John 15:12
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. – John 15:12
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
Faithfulness and Identity in Christ
As Christians, our identity is founded in who we are in Christ. This new identity supersedes all earthly labels or identities we might cling to, including our orientations. Through faith, we find freedom from the bondage of sin and are called to embrace God’s love that transforms our lives. Our faithfulness to Christ is a powerful testament to His ability to change hearts and lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
Final Thoughts
In our discussions about homosexuality, we must approach the topic with compassion rooted in God’s truth. The Bible guides us in understanding God’s design for relationships and calls us to uphold holiness in our lives. We also recognize the grace God offers through repentance and the importance of speaking truth in love. It’s a journey of faith for all of us, as we continually strive to align our hearts with God’s purpose.
As we encounter different perspectives, it’s essential to stay grounded in the Word and reflect Jesus’ love in every conversation. May we always remember our identity in Christ, which urges us to walk in obedience, and share God’s heart for all those around us. If you desire to learn more about the teachings in the Bible on relationships, you may want to explore topics such as gay marriage being wrong or being a sin.
Through this understanding, we commit ourselves to live holy lives while reaching out in love to those who need God’s truth.