What is a PROPER Christian response to homosexuality?

First, let’s understand that Scripture is clear that homosexual activity is a sin and, as all other sins (such as gossip), separates an individual from God and will have no place in the kingdom of heaven.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will 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, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

Secondly, individuals who engage in homosexual activity are people who have been created in God’s image and are to be loved. Homosexuality is not a sin because a certain group of people think it is gross or inappropriate. Homosexuality is a sin because it is contrary to the revealed character of God. Homosexuality is no different from rebellion in God’s eyes, and it should be no different in ours.

Lastly, we must keep in mind that our response to homosexuality should be different than our response to individuals who engage in homosexual activity. Homosexuality is to be hated and turned from, as all sins are to be. However, we ought to love and reach out to individuals who struggle with homosexual desires or engage in homosexual activity. (I would like to note here that struggling with desire is not sin, giving into that desire is sin however.) We should pray that God would fill our church with individuals struggling with homosexuality, just as we pray that God would bring others who struggle with less taboo sins. “All have sinned…and the wages of sin is death.” Let us never forget that it is only by the grace of God that we have forgiveness and deliverance from our sins. In the same way, we ought to reach out to individuals who are struggling or are engaged in homosexual activity with the truth that it does not matter whether homosexuality is their nature or has been nurtured because we serve a God who delivers!  God is a God who makes things new! “If anyone is in Christ, he [or she] is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new.” He saves us from our sin; in order that we may no longer dwell in it.

For the death that [Christ] died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, (Romans 6:10-12)

And for those “Christians” who have their “God hates Homos” signs ready. BURN THEM! If you want to protest something; if you really want to proclaim God’s hate on something; make signs that say, “God’s Hates Gossip!” and go everywhere with it.