Examining Scripture with truth and compassion on same-sex relationships
The Bible addresses homosexuality in several passages including Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Traditional Christian interpretation holds that Scripture teaches sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and woman. However, Christians are also called to love all people (John 13:34-35) and recognize that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The church's response should reflect both biblical truth and Christlike compassion.
The primary Scripture passages that address homosexuality directly.
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination."
— Leviticus 18:22 (ESV)
"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, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."
— Romans 1:26-27 (ESV)
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality... And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
— 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)
Understanding the biblical framework for human sexuality.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
— Genesis 2:24 (ESV)
"He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh.""
— Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV)
""Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."
— Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV)
How Christians should engage with compassion while holding to biblical convictions.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
— John 13:34-35 (ESV)
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
— Romans 3:23 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
— Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
Building a strong, Christ-centered marriage through Scripture
How to forgive others as Christ forgave you