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I. Those who have homosexual impulses.
There is a difference between a man who has a sexual impulse towards another man and a man who acts out that impulse, just as there is a difference between a man who has a sexual impulse towards a woman and a man who acts out that impulse.
What we are tempted by does not define who we are. If it were so, Jesus would have been in trouble. The author of Hebrews tells us Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are…” (Hebrews 4:15).
So, our temptations do not define who we are. They define the ways we need to receive ministry and strength.
Don’t miss that.
II. Those living out the homosexual lifestyle.
Some say that the world often does a better job loving others than we Christians do. Loving our neighbor was one of Jesus’ main messages. Why do so many Christians fail to reach out or befriend those living out the homosexual lifestyle?
A Christian asked me the other day, “Are we allowed to be their friend?”
I replied, “Are you joking? Of course we are!”
There are some who attempt to convince Christians that we are only allowed to associate with other Christians. Actually, we should show special attention to people who are not making God the center of their lives.
Jesus’ immediate friends and companions were His disciples, but He also associated with tax collectors and prostitutes. Matthew was a tax collector when Jesus asked him to become His disciple.
Tax collectors were Jews working for the Romans. The Jews hated the Romans. Thus, if you were a Jew and you worked for the Romans, other Jews considered you a traitor and the lowest of people. Tax collectors were also known to overcharge their Jewish brethren and pocket the extra money.
When the Jewish religious leaders saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (at Matthew’s house), they asked Jesus’ disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this question and replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means; ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:12-13).
Let’s not miss that either.
Editor’s note: For a related article in this issue, see "Do Human Beings Have Souls?"
Russell Lingerfelt graduated from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies and is currently pursuing a Masters in Divinity at Pepperdine University. You can visit his website at www.jamesrussell.org.
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