Sexuality, gender, and the Word of God
This is one of the hardest conversations of our time. It touches people we love. This page tries to do two things at once: tell the truth plainly, and offer real hope.
What God made
God created humanity male and female (Genesis 1:27). Marriage is the lifelong covenant of one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-5). Sex is God's good gift for that covenant.
Our bodies are not mistakes. Being a man or a woman is something God gives, not something we choose.
What the Bible forbids, and why
Scripture calls all sexual activity outside marriage between a man and a woman sin. That includes homosexual practice (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10), and it includes adultery and sex before marriage too. None of us is in a position to look down on anyone.
God's commands aren't arbitrary. He made us, so He knows what is good for us.
Hope, not hatred
Right after listing sins that include homosexual practice, Paul writes this to the church:
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV
Same-sex attraction or confusion about gender can be a heavy, lonely burden. It isn't beyond the reach of Christ. He washes and changes sinners of every kind, the same way He saves anyone: through repentance and faith.
The church must refuse two errors: cruelty that won't love people, and false kindness that won't tell them the truth.
A culture in motion
Over recent decades, many Western cultures have moved step by step: from first acceptance of these ideas, to legal recognition, to a demand for tolerance, to an expectation of celebration, and finally to penalties for people who disagree. Christians shouldn't be surprised, and shouldn't be afraid. Speak the truth with love, and accept the cost if it comes.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,"
Romans 12:2 ESV, partial
Why this page exists
To tell the truth. To offer the gospel. To help parents and churches stand firm without cruelty.
If this is your struggle: come to Christ. He doesn't turn away anyone who comes. If this is your child: love them, keep talking, open the Bible together, and get help from a faithful pastor.
Biblical counseling
If you need more help than this page can give, start with a faithful local church, and consider these ministries that counsel from Scripture.
ACBC
The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors trains and certifies counselors who work from God's Word, and has a counselor finder.
IBCD
The Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship offers training and resources for churches and counselors.
Faith Biblical Counseling
The counseling ministry of Faith Church in Lafayette, Indiana, offering biblical counseling and training for counselors.
Biblical Counseling Coalition
A network of biblical counseling ministries, with a finder to help you locate a counselor.