How can Christians graciously & compassionately argue against homosexuality, adultery, perversion, sexual assualt, rape, abortion alcohol and/or drug

[Anonymous9090]

@HarleyER @Miles
@seeking.IAM @rockytopva @Brihaha @Yarddog

Another Christian forum responded with the
following in a post which I thought was a good argument:

“for people who reject the Bible you might well have to look outside
the Bible. Let's look at homosexuality. Past editions of the DSM (the
manual for diagnosing mental illness) included homosexuality and
transgender as mental illnesses. This naturally drew a lot of
criticism and was considered offensive. A lot of Christians take the
position that it's a choice rather than an illness, but I personally
think that at the very least a comparison to illness is warranted. An
illness hinders your ability to function, and if it overcomes your
body's defenses it can potentially kill you. What's one of the basic
functions of life? Reproduction. What would happen if all of humanity
became homosexual? We'd cease to perform one of our basic functions
and die out as a species. It's not an argument that's for every person
or situation but it is one you can potentially use that doesn't rely
on the Bible to make its point.”

Furthermore, I would like start off by describing to supporters of the LGBTQ+ rights "what it is supposed to be" , and only secondarily tell them "what it's Not supposed to be"

To elaborate, if a LGBTQ+ rights supporter ask me why I Disagree with
the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, I would start off by saying "what it is
supposed to be" which can be described in the Ephesians 5:25-27

Ephesians 5:25-27

New American Standard Bible 1995

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and
gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having
cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might
present to Himself the church [a]in all her glory, having no spot or
wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

In Ephesians 5:25-27, the bible describes to us that Husbands(being
the males) should Love their Wives(being the females) just like Jesus
Christ(being the male) Loved the church( being the female).
Essentially, I would tell the LGBTQ+ supporter that the biblical
passage of Ephesians 5:25-27 describes what the proper marriage life
is supposed to be like which is between a male and a female.

As time goes by, and my debate with the LGBTQ+ supporter progressively
continues, I can secondarily tell them that the Leviticus 18:22 bible
verse and the narrative in the Genesis 19:4-38 bible passage describe
"what it's Not supposed to be". In other words, my biblical reasons
as to why I believe LGBTQ+ lifestyle is sinful:

Leviticus 18:22
New American Standard Bible 1995

22 You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an
abomination.

It's a lot better to graciously start off with "what it is supposed to be", and
then go on to secondarily mention "what it's Not supposed to be"

 

[rturner76]

One thing we can do is stop trying to sit in the judgement seat of God and offer spiritual help to those to seek to conquer their sin.

 

[RileyG]

Many in the LGBT community are brainwashed and believe their sexual orientation defines who they are. Unfortunately, if you do not immediately approve of all their actions it’s seen as hate.

All you can do is pray and not debate.

It causes further hatred for Christians and Christianity.

 

[Brihaha]

@HarleyER @Miles
@seeking.IAM @rockytopva @Brihaha @Yarddog

Another Christian forum responded with the
following in a post which I thought was a good argument:

I do read my bible. It is the main reason I decided to respond to this thread. I don't necessarily agree with many people or their lifestyles. But it's OK. I am not called on to judge them or their lifestyles. There's a real good country song called Mind Your Own Business. Then you won't be minding mine. It is profoundly solid advice. I've even seen the sentiment expressed in my bible. This way one can live in peace while simultaneously showing respect to himself and others. I wish you well.

 

[rturner76]

Many in the LGBT community are brainwashed and believe their sexual orientation defines who they are. Unfortunately, if you do not immediately approve of all their actions it’s seen as hate.

All you can do is pray and not debate.

It causes further hatred for Christians and Christianity.

Also, many Christians are brainwashed and they think their righteousness defines who they are. If you do not agree with them you are seen as hateful or a sinner condemned to hell. The thing is we are all human beings with different desires. Believing and asserting that we are good and others are bad causes further hatred of Christians.

 

[RileyG]

Also, many Christians are brainwashed and they think their righteousness defines who they are. If you do not agree with them you are seen as hateful or a sinner condemned to hell. The thing is we are all human beings with different desires. Believing and asserting that we are good and others are bad causes further hatred of Christians.

I’m far from righteous. I’m not going to tell anyone they are condemned to hell because that is God’s job. I never stated anyone was bad.

 

[rturner76]

I’m far from righteous. I’m not going to tell anyone they are condemned to hell because that is God’s job. I never stated anyone was bad.

Just that they are wrong. there is a difference I guess

 

[RileyG]

Just that they are wrong. there is a difference I guess

I don’t let any of my desires or mistakes define me. I’m much more than what I want, for instance.

 

[rturner76]

I don’t let any of my desires or mistakes define me. I’m much more than what I want, for instance.

Right, you just let people know they have an incorrect opinion

 

[RileyG]

Right, you just let people know they have an incorrect opinion

Incorrect opinion? That someone shouldn’t be defined by their sexuality? It’s not who they are. It’s just a sexual orientation.

I’m white. Does my whiteness define who I am?

 

[HarleyER]

I'm cautious about giving first impressions that seem like I'm haranguing and/or lecturing people. I grew up in a legalistic nominal Catholic household. "Fire and brimstone" haranguing/lecturing from elders in my household was quite common.


John 1:17's reference to “grace and truth” is quite relevant here because Christians need to be gracious and truthful when we confront the world.







Exodus 34:6 , Psalm 103:8 and Psalm 145:8’s emphasis on being “slow to anger” is relevant here.

Yes, you are correct in telling me that Leviticus 18:22 condemnation of same-sex relationships and the Genesis 19:4-38’s account of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction due to sinful homosexuality needs to be brought up.

However, "Fire and brimstone" haranguing/lecturing should Rarely be the 1st step when you are sharing the gospel or confronting someone about their sins.

Here is a quote from someone on a different forum in response to my question:

“for people who reject the Bible you might well have to look outside the Bible. Let's look at homosexuality. Past editions of the DSM (the manual for diagnosing mental illness) included homosexuality and transgender as mental illnesses. This naturally drew a lot of criticism and was considered offensive. A lot of Christians take the position that it's a choice rather than an illness, but I personally think that at the very least a comparison to illness is warranted. An illness hinders your ability to function, and if it overcomes your body's defenses it can potentially kill you. What's one of the basic functions of life? Reproduction. What would happen if all of humanity became homosexual? We'd cease to perform one of our basic functions and die out as a species. It's not an argument that's for every person or situation but it is one you can potentially use that doesn't rely on the Bible to make its point.”

I’m also trying to determine other ways to Graciously confront people who support LGBTQ+ rights. Please feel free to make suggestions.

It's hard to say which style works the best. One has to let the Holy Spirit work in a person's life. For example, Johnathan Edwards' sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", was literally of the "fire and brimstone" type. As I understand it, Edwards preached it in a very "matter of fact" tone. It was a sermon that people needed to hear and started a great revival. History is filled with such men and examples.

The Bible also shows various styles and techniques. Elijah certainly wasn't careful in what he stated to Ahab and Jezebel. Samuel spoke his mind to Saul. Jeremiah, while he preached with deep love to the people, they misconstrued his godly message and concerned for treason and rebellion. Our Lord Jesus was especially critical in John 6 with those who professed to be believers. Christ doesn't want "pseudo-believers". There are plenty of those. He wants followers.

Your approach is admirable and I think you should always be prepared to give a good defense for the gospel. But don't be surprise if, even in the most loving and gracious manner you can muster, that people will hate you for what you say, calling you a "bigot", "intollerant", or worst. We are promised that those who desire to live a godly life WILL face persecution. Every word that Christ spoke was nothing but love and He was hated for it. My feeling is that God saved me as I am, warts and all, for HIs purpose. So, though I might fail Him, this is who I am and we are all here for such a time as this.

The bottom line in all this is people simply love sin (John 3:19). God must turn their hearts to Him no matter how sound or gracious are our arguments. For that we must be in prayer.

 

[FireDragon76]

How can they? Christians can do so by seeing people as fellow human beings first before seeing their "sin."

.... they could also decide to continue on when reading the letter to the Romans, beyond getting overly bogged down in chapter 1.

Good advice.

If you go to the Bible looking for "clobber passages", your heart is far from Christ.

The Bible's ethics are very simple. Love God, and love your neighbor. There are no if's, and's, or but's.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Good advice.

If you go to the Bible looking for "clobber passages", your heart is far from Christ.

The Bible's ethics are very simple. Love God, and love your neighbor. There are no if's, and's, or but's.

I concur. But, apparently in some folk's minds, loving others is contingent on how well they first jump through what are deemed to be the "proper" political hoops.

As you've well said, and as I think Jesus intended for us to understand, there are no ifs, ands, or buts to putting our best foot forward in valuing and loving others, as best we can.

 

[seeking.IAM]

@HarleyER @Miles
@seeking.IAM @rockytopva @Brihaha @Yarddog

Another Christian forum responded with the
following in a post which I thought was a good argument:

Matthew shares Jesus parable of the wheat and the tares: let them grow together until the harvest. Then the master will direct what happens after the harvest. I prefer to live like that while leaving the final decision to the master. In the meantime, I think it is a good idea to cultivate the whole field.

Matthew 13: 24-30