Are Christians homophobic?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Christian stance on homosexuality does not biblically align with LGBTQ beliefs due to homosexuality being a deviation from God’s original design and consequently a sin (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18; 2:21-24; Leviticus 18:22). However, Christians are still called to love their neighbor, including those who are not Christians and practice homosexuality (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). In the case of a Christian confronting another Christian who is involved in sin (including homosexuality) Christians are instructed to “restore” him or her “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). Additionally, Christians can take after the example of Paul in (1 Corinthians 6:9–11) and remind their brother or sister in Christ of their new identity. We as Christians are called to “let the word of Christ dwell in (us) richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). We must expose sin, but we should also remember that we, too, used to be unbelievers, living in sin (Ephesians 5:8, 11, 14). This realization coupled with God’s command to love our neighbor should remind us to speak truth but to do so in love, not homophobia.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God’s design for sexuality was specifically for one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18; 2:21-24). Any deviation from this design is unbiblical. Christians that peacefully speak the truth on this subject are not being homophobic, provided they do not speak against it in fear, hatred, or prejudice—but rather speak the truth in love.
• The Israelites were commanded to love their neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). The command has remained the same for Christians in this day and age. Although Christians are called to love homosexuals, we are not called to affirm homosexuality since it is an “abomination” to God (Leviticus 18:22).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Homophobia is defined as a fear of, hatred toward, or prejudice against people who identify as homosexual. In Matthew 22:39 Jesus reiterates the necessity for His followers to love everyone, and in Matthew 5:44 He even commands us to love our enemies. While people who harbor ill-will toward homosexuals can be found in every walk of life, including in some Christian circles, homophobia is not a biblical teaching.
• In addressing the believers in Corinth, Paul reminds them that they used to practice homosexuality, but that because of Jesus' work on the cross, they are now forgiven for that sin and free to rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to reject that sin in the future. In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Paul states, "Neither the sexually immoral… nor men who practice homosexuality… will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." This forgiveness and freedom is the essence of the good news of the gospel.
• Galatians 6:1 says, "If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness." Anytime a believer confronts sin in another believer’s life, it should be done gently with the goal of restoration, not condemnation.
• When writing to the Ephesians, Paul reminded them, "at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light… Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but expose them… 'and Christ will shine on you'" (Ephesians 5:8, 11, 14). Here he reminded the Ephesians to be humble because they, too, had once lived in darkness. But Paul also called them to expose darkness so that Christ's work could bring light and salvation.
• In Colossians 3:16 Paul calls believers to, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom." The only way to distinguish between good works and sin is to know God's Word on the matter.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Bible is clear on its teaching about homosexuality, but it is equally clear on its call to love everyone. Christians should expose homosexuality, because biblically speaking, it is a sinful perversion of God's design for sex. Unfortunately, this biblical stance is often misconstrued as hateful or prejudice against homosexuals. However, the Bible says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). Essentially, Christians are called to name homosexual acts as sin, but to do so without ill-will or malice toward those who practice it. Rather than being homophobic, Christians should be loving toward homosexuals remembering that, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

UNDERSTAND

• Christians are accused of being homophobic because of their stance against homosexuality and because of ungodly ways Christians have interacted with the LGBTQ community.
• Christians who uphold biblical truth and express it in love are not homophobic.
• Christians can uphold Christian values with both truth and love without affirming homosexuality.

REFLECT

• How do you respond to the accusation that Christians are homophobic?
• How can you uphold the truths of Scripture in love toward others including the LGBTQ community?
• Where is God calling you to uphold truth in love either in society in general or with specific people?

ENGAGE

• In what ways have Christians acted in ungodly ways that have led to others calling us homophobic?
• What is the difference between behavior that is homophobic and not affirming homosexuality or other sexual sins?
• How can we as the church better care for the LGBTQ community?