What would you say to this fellow human being?

[the_seeker]

According to conservative christians, a homosexual living in a homosexual relationship, even as a married person, is doing a big sin against God.

Now, it's pretty easy to have strong opinions about this and that through a keyboard and a screen, but what about in real life? If you are sitting face-to-face with a homosexual living like I described, and you are a conservative christian, like you are sitting face-to-face with this person around a table, would you still say things like:

You are living a life in sin because you are living in a same-sex relationship !
The Creator of the Universe doesn't like your way of living !
The best is if you, with these feelings inside, stay single for the rest of your life, or go in therapy !

Now - would you say these things in a face-to-face conversation ?

 

[ResidentAlien]

According to conservative christians, a homosexual living in a homosexual relationship, even as a married person, is doing a big sin against God.

Now, it's pretty easy to have strong opinions about this and that through a keyboard and a screen, but what about in real life? If you are sitting face-to-face with a homosexual living like I described, and you are a conservative christian, like you are sitting face-to-face with this person around a table, would you still say things like:

You are living a life in sin because you are living in a same-sex relationship !
The Creator of the Universe doesn't like your way of living !
The best is if you, with these feelings inside, stay single for the rest of your life, or go in therapy !

Now - would you say these things in a face-to-face conversation ?

I doubt I'd say those things. More than likely I'd try to share with them the gospel of Christ.

 

[the_seeker]

I doubt I'd say those things. More than likely I'd try to share with them the gospel of Christ.

Ok, fair enough.

 

[the_seeker]

I doubt I'd say those things. More than likely I'd try to share with them the gospel of Christ.

OK, but let's get somewhat realistic here; If this person asks you:
Do you think my way of life is wrong?

Then what do you answer him/her ?

 

[Snackersmom]

According to conservative christians, a homosexual living in a homosexual relationship, even as a married person, is doing a big sin against God.

Now, it's pretty easy to have strong opinions about this and that through a keyboard and a screen, but what about in real life? If you are sitting face-to-face with a homosexual living like I described, and you are a conservative christian, like you are sitting face-to-face with this person around a table, would you still say things like:

You are living a life in sin because you are living in a same-sex relationship !
The Creator of the Universe doesn't like your way of living !
The best is if you, with these feelings inside, stay single for the rest of your life, or go in therapy !

Now - would you say these things in a face-to-face conversation ?

It would depend on my relationship with the person and where they are with God. If they are unsaved then it would be ridiculous to expect them to live like a Christian without the Holy Spirit. First things first, talk to them about Jesus and see what happens.

If they were a recent convert and looking for spiritual advice, I would be kind but honest with them about their lifestyle hindering their relationship with God.

If they were a former youth group kid or someone else that I had some spiritual history with, I would probably ask them what was up and pray for guidance.

I asked God once what actually qualifies a Christian to call out another for an offense that does not involve them personally. It seemed He answered that if one hasn't been part of a person's growth in a positive way (like praying for them, encouraging them, etc.), then it's best to leave the correcting to one who has.

 

[ResidentAlien]

OK, but let's get somewhat realistic here; If this person asks you:
Do you think my way of life is wrong?

Then what do you answer him/her ?

I would hope it would be an opportunity to start a discussion. I don't know exactly what I'd say, but I doubt it would be any of the things you listed.

 

[the_seeker]

asked God once what actually qualifies a Christian to call out another for an offense that does not involve them personally. It seemed He answered that if one hasn't been part of a person's growth in a positive way (like praying for them, encouraging them, etc.), then it's best to leave the correcting to one who has.

Ok.
So, this is what you would answer someone face-to-face in this given situation.
Ok.

 

[the_seeker]

I would hope it would be an opportunity to start a discussion. I don't know exactly what I'd say, but I doubt it would be any of the things you listed.

Ok, but nevertheless of the actual discussion around the table, being friendly and normally polite, what would you think in the deepness of you mind of the questions I posted ?

 

[the_seeker]

Let me take another example:

A friend of yours, a woman, had an abortion. An abortion out of her free will - that is her choice. You meet her for a cup of coffee, and she tells you about this. Now, let's say that you are a pro-life, and in your view abortion is among the most terrible sins one could do. So the conversation goes like this:

She: "I had an abortion."
You: "Why?"
She: "For me, it was the right thing to do."
You: "But ..... "

Yes but....... what do you say to her? Please remember, this is not something you write on your keyboard, it's real life and face-to-face with this woman. So what do you say?

 

[ResidentAlien]

Ok, but nevertheless of the actual discussion around the table, being friendly and normally polite, what would you think in the deepness of you mind of the questions I posted ?

I've given you my answer but it doesn't seem to satisfy you for some reason. Now I think I'll just sit this one out till I can see where it's going.

 

[the_seeker]

I've given you my answer but it doesn't seem to satisfy you for some reason. Now I think I'll just sit this one out till I can see where it's going.

OK.

The essence in what you said is "The Gospel of Christ".
Fair enough, but sorry, that doesn't say much to me regarding the situation I described in my post.
"The Gospel of Christ" means different things to different people - that is my experience. So if your comment is to give any meaning to me, you have to be more specific.

 

[ResidentAlien]

OK.

The essence in what you said is "The Gospel of Christ".
Fair enough, but sorry, that doesn't say much to me regarding the situation I described in my post.
"The Gospel of Christ" means different things to different people - that is my experience. So if your comment is to give any meaning to me, you have to be more specific.

What would you say to them? Let's start there.

 

[the_seeker]

What would you say to them? Let's start there.

Well ok I see your point. Since you were pretty diffuse saying general things like "The Gospel of Christ" I do not feel obligated to say something more general than that. But since you ask me, I will be honest (can you be equal honest back to me?) and say:

Face-to-face with the homosexual, I would say:
"If you love your partner and have a serious and healthy relationship with him, feel free my friend !"

And face-to-face with the abortion woman, I think I will wait for your reaction from what I just stated from the discussion between my homophile friend and me.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Since you were pretty diffuse saying general things like "The Gospel of Christ" I do not feel obligated to say something more general than that.

To have right standing with God, and be sure you will not be condemned by Him, believe in His Son Christ Jesus and obey His commandments. Your sins can be forgiven; you can be set free from the bondage to sin. That's the gospel, that's the good news.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Homosexuality isn't the only sin in the world.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

OK.

The essence in what you said is "The Gospel of Christ".
Fair enough, but sorry, that doesn't say much to me regarding the situation I described in my post.
"The Gospel of Christ" means different things to different people - that is my experience. So if your comment is to give any meaning to me, you have to be more specific.

1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
I Corinthians 15

18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3

This word happens to show up exactly times in this one gospel alone.
Why do you think that is ?

 

[the_seeker]

Homosexuality isn't the only sin in the world.

Well, the problem with your arguments is that you claim that homosexuality is a sin.
I know that bearded men in the anthiques wrote such claims on their papyrus scrolls, but that does not impress me or makes me change my mind. They had their opinions some 2000 years ago, and I see no reason to adopt their claims.

Nevertheless, what I have seen from you ResidentAlien here in this discussion forum "en general", is kind of pleasant and an opening for dialogue. So I praise you for that. Not everyone here have the abilities you have. Keep on going in the right direction, mate !

 

[ResidentAlien]

Well, the problem with your arguments is that you claim that homosexuality is a sin.
I know that bearded men in the anthiques wrote such claims on their papyrus scrolls, but that does not impress me or makes me change my mind. They had their opinions some 2000 years ago, and I see no reason to adopt their claims.

Nevertheless, what I have seen from you ResidentAlien here in this discussion forum "en general", is kind of pleasant and an opening for dialogue. So I praise you for that. Not everyone here have the abilities you have. Keep on going in the right direction, mate !

If you want to reject the gospel, that's up to you I guess; I've done my part. I only hope that some day you'll reconsider; however, none of us is guaranteed tomorrow.

 

[GWH]

OK, but let's get somewhat realistic here; If this person asks you:
Do you think my way of life is wrong?

Then what do you answer him/her ?

I would say homo anal and oral sex obviously are a perversion of heterosex per the design of sexual organs,
and thus homo marriage is impossible.

I would say if the cause of homosexuality is genetic, then the physical mutation should be found and corrected if possible,
if the cause is environmental, then the psychological aberration should be treated and corrected as quickly as possible,
and if the cause is due to free choice, then it should be repented of immediately.
If the cause is unknown, then scientists should conduct studies until the cause is found/causes are found.

Then I would say, "Moses, Jesus and Paul all condemned both homosexuality and heterosexual fornication
as immoral/sinful. Thus, the both homo and hetero compulsive sinners should pray for the gift of celibacy,
undergo castration and/or support the invention of a pill that diminishes or ends sexual urges."

All along the way I would share the Gospel.

 

[Suze]

OK, but let's get somewhat realistic here; If this person asks you:
Do you think my way of life is wrong?

Then what do you answer him/her ?

I would answer that : ' if u were a Christian u would already realise that your way of life is not what God intended for us humans . So , u r probably not a Christian and therefore u can do as u please ' .
There r millions and millions of atheists and idolators living lives that r not what the Holy One of Israel intended for us . They r worshipping idols , denying the existence of God , raping , murdering , swindling etc etc etc .
Christians know ( or rather should ) what is expected of them and what isn't . Everyone else is a law unto themselves and therefore it's none of my business what sins they commit . Because they r all sinners in some way or another , just as Christians r ! The only difference between is that we know better and r hopefully trying to please God by following the example that He gave us in His Son . The non Christians don't know any better and r pleasing themselves . It's as simple as that . Sin is sin , it's all the same and everyone does it . For sure we all find many different ways of pleasing ourselves but , it's still all just sin whatever it is .
I know a lady , a lovely human being , funny , clever , humble , kind , generous and loving . She's a nominal Christian which to me means , if u ask her she will say she is a Christian but she's a bit hit and miss if u know what I mean . She has a problem with sex she is a genuine diagnosed nymphomaniac . She literally hates herself for it , and I mean she has tortured herself over her lack of self control . She's made herself ill with guilt to the point of being in an asylum and having electric shock treatment . How harshly should I judge her ? Not at all , I shall leave that to God . It's not my place to make her feel worse than she already does about her behaviour and struggles with it .
Some people's sins go before them like a marching band other people's sins follow them behind in shadow , we may never know but God knows everyone and everything , He shall judge , I don't have to , thankfully .