Does the Bible talk about lesbianism? What does the Bible say about being a lesbian?

Quick answer

The Bible clearly teaches that sexual relationships are designed by God to be between a man and a woman, and it condemns lesbianism as a sinful departure from that design. Yet, like all sins, forgiveness and cleansing are available through faith in Christ.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches against same-sex sexual activity, including lesbianism. The Genesis account of creation shows that God created men and women for relationship with each other. The very biology of men and women make it possible for them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), unlike same-sex couples. In Mosaic Law, homosexuality was a capital crime, which shows God’s condemnation of it All this implies that the Old Testament condemns any sort of relationship beyond the male-female pattern God created in the beginning. But the New Testament is even more overt in its condemnation against lesbianism. Romans 1 specifically mentions “women [who] exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature” and parallels them to the same behavior in men; in both cases, God gives them up to their sin. Scripture teaches that same-sex attraction is sin and so is dwelling on thoughts about it. The Bible teaches that focusing on sinful thoughts often leads to sinful actions, so we should center on thoughts that uplift us. Overall, the Bible shows that lesbianism is a sin, but like any other sin, it can be washed away for those who place their faith in Christ (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the Genesis account of God’s creation of Adam and Eve, His command to them to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:27-28), and the command that “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) shows God’s standard for intimate relationships is male and female, not same-sex.

Many of the Old Testament passages that speak against same sex activity specifically address men. For example, the same sex gang rape attempt in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 only mentions men. Leviticus 20:13 specifically condemned same-sex male relationships. But other Bible passages address female same-sex activity.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The most specific passage that addresses lesbian relationships is found in Romans 1:26-27a: "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another." That last part shows the parallel with the actions of the women mentioned in the passage.

Romans 1 makes clear that these activities are considered sinful. Same-sex relations, including lesbian relationships, were called "dishonorable passions" that were "contrary to nature." Verse 28 adds, "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.”

Some women are sexually attracted to other women and wonder if this is wrong. Lust of any kind is sinful, much like other temptations people face. The emphasis of Scripture is to avoid sexual immorality, as well as to avoid thinking sexual thoughts about others (Matthew 5:27-28). When unwanted thoughts intrude, it’s best to make a conscious effort to think about something more honorable (Philippians 4:8).

To dwell on sinful thoughts leads to giving into temptation (James 1:14-15); this applies to all sins, including same-sex attraction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Who could be against love, right? That’s what the same-sex community’s “love is love” slogan suggests. But a catchy motto on a yard sign can’t be our guide for right and wrong. When people put aside what God has deemed right and wrong in His Word, they’re rebelling against the omniscient Creator. The pages of the Bible show the results of such foolishness.

But in a culture that defines “love” as approval, how can Christians best respond in a God-honoring way? The first step is to realize that we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace. We shouldn’t approach others self-righteously, as if we are perfect. Admitting to others that we’re also a work in progress may make them more receptive to the message we’re sharing. If the conversation turns to sexual ethics, we can point to the truths in the Bible, making it clear that we aren’t setting the standards – God has. And we can also use Jesus as our model: He associated with sinners, but He didn’t condone their sin; rather, He called them to repentance (Luke 5:31-32). Be prepared for defensiveness, mocking, and accusations of being “judgmental.” Rather than lashing out, we can pray for those caught in the sins promoted by our culture.

UNDERSTAND

God designed sex for male-female relationships.

The Bible condemns lesbianism as sinful and against God’s design.

Forgiveness through Christ is available for all sin, and Christians should respond with grace and truth.

REFLECT

How do you personally reconcile cultural views on love with God’s design for relationships?

How might your thoughts or attitudes need to align with biblical truth about sexuality?

How can you show Christlike grace to others while holding firmly to biblical standards on sin?

ENGAGE

How does understanding God’s design for male-female relationships shape our response to current cultural views on sexuality?

What challenges arise when discussing biblical sexual ethics with those who hold different beliefs, and how can we address them with compassion?

How can we balance upholding biblical truth with showing unconditional love and forgiveness to those struggling with sexual sin?