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The purpose of this article is to help the friends and families of gays deal with their own reactions to homosexuality, and to help them respond in a positive, Christian way.

Case 1

Taking a deep breath, Carol began: "It's so scary for me to tell you this, but I have to. I can't keep on pretending. I just don't want it to affect our friendship you're like a sister to me!"

Susan reached across the table, taking Carol's hand. "What is it, Carol? Is it your marriage? Whatever it is, you can tell me..."

Tears began to well up in Carol's eyes. "Susan, it's not the marriage. That would make this easier, I think. It's me. I ... I'm gay. I'm a lesbian."

Case 2

Dear Mom and Dad, Since you both know about me being gay, I have decided it would be best for all of us if I moved out. I know how you feel, and I don't want to make things worse. I'll be staying with some friends for a while. I guess this means putting college on hold, too, but please try not to worry about me. I'll make it. I'm really sorry I've let you down. I'm sorry for the big fight the other night. I didn't want you to find out that way, but I guess it's just as well you know. Most of all, I'm sorry you don't understand about me. I'll be in touch--Love, Mark

Unprepared

The impact of learning someone close to you is gay can be as great as if that person had died. Suddenly, your expectations and hopes for his or her future may never be realized.

Often, various emotions common to the grieving process surface. First come shock, denial, and disbelief, sometimes followed by a rush of shame, anger, and tears. Depression, even physical symptoms of distress, may result. Almost always there are tremendous feelings of guilt ("Where did I go wrong?"), especially true with parents and spouses of gays. Anger and resentment may grow into bitterness ("How could you do this to me!") if unforgiveness is harbored. The grieving process will pass in its intensity, especially as you yield your hurt and struggle to God, trusting Him to help.

There Is Hope

God does not want to see you overcome with frustration and despair. He has given us His promises. Seek to apply them to your situation. He promises to give us wisdom if we ask. He promises to comfort and strengthen us in time of need. He promises that His grace will keep us from being overwhelmed by our circumstances. His grace also supplies us with the faith we need to trust our loved ones into His capable care. God tells us that as we humble ourselves and seek to obey Him, regardless of what we face, He will supply us with the power to do what is right.

In relationship to others, God can give us the patience to wait on Him to work in our loved one's life. He can supply us with the ability to forgive and demonstrate love toward those who have hurt and shamed us. God can teach us to see circumstances from His perspective, and then we see that all things are possible with God. "All things" includes freedom from homosexuality! Then we see that there is hope! Second, not only is there hope for you, there is also hope for the homosexual. There is a way out of homosexuality for those who want it! Although homosexual behavior is consistently condemned throughout Scripture (see references below), as is all sin, there is also biblical record of people being set free from homosexuality (I Corinthians 6:9-11). Remember, where God requires us to change in order to obey His standards, He has the power to make that change possible in our lives. This is as true for the homosexual as for the prostitute, the addict, and all who need Jesus!

Though your friend or loved one is involved in homosexuality now, that doesn't mean he or she always will be. Many men and women around the world have been (and are being) set free from homosexuality. God doesn't play favorites. Your loved one can be free, too, but it may not happen overnight. God's Spirit must be the One to draw him or her. Therefore, your only hope is in the power of an unlimited God!

Practical Steps You Can Take

2. Forgive. Release your anger, hurt, and shame through forgiveness. This prevents bitterness from setting in and speeds healing to you and your relationship with the gay person. In addition to forgiving those who have hurt you, ask God to forgive you for anything in your past that may have contributed to this situation. With God's forgiveness, you need not remain a prisoner to guilt and condemnation. Once you've received His forgiveness for any failure on your part, mark the date on your calendar. Remind yourself and the devil that on that date you know God forgave you for your past.

3. Get God's perspective. Get your attitude in line with God's Word. Having a gay loved one is not the end of the world. Homosexuality is sin. It is not the worst sin. It is not "incurable." God doesn't hate homosexuals, either. As a matter of fact, He loves them and wants to redeem them. He sees their need for love, acceptance, and identity, and longs to meet these needs. Jesus did not condemn the prostitute, traitor, adulteress, thief, or murderer. instead, He offered them another chance at life. As mentioned earlier, "all things" are possible with God, including freedom from homosexuality. There is biblical record of homosexuals changing by God's power (I Corinthians 6:9-1 1). Share this hope with your gay friend or loved one.

4. Keep lines of communication open. Our words can either build up or tear down. Use good judgment in sharing with the gay person. Don't make every visit or conversation a sermon on sin. Avoid arguing-be a listener. He or she needs to know that you are available to talk, especially when he or she is hurting. Pray for wisdom in communicating God's standard. Present Jesus in a positive light, as a Person who loves, cares, and wants to help.

5. Demonstrate love and acceptance. Sometimes our love must be firm. The Christian cannot compromise God's standards or condone sin. However, it is vital that the gay friend or loved one understand that your disapproval of his sinful behavior is not a rejection of him. Maintaining God's standards often puts us in the place of drawing the line on a person because of sin. This can be painful and necessary in some instances. But we can still demonstrate love and concern for the gay person in many practical ways. Be willing to talk and listen. Don't be afraid to hug or touch. Don't exclude the homosexual person from your life and activities. He or she may resent your stand on sin, and may isolate or withdraw from you. Yet you need not be the one to turn your back on him or her. You may be an important link between that individual and God if not now, perhaps later. So guard your witness. Maintain God's standards, but love the gay person, too.

6. Let go. One of the most difficult of all these steps is having to entrust your loved one into the care of God. Let him or her go. You can't save that person. You can't stop him or her from pursuing the gay life. You're not in control-God is! You must learn to trust God to draw your loved one by His Spirit. Trust Him to protect your loved one. God's desire is to free homosexually oriented people from sin and deception. Remember, He loves the one you love even more than you do!

7. Pray, fast, and wait. You can pray! You can fast! Prayer combined with fasting is a powerful spiritual weapon. Like it or not, it's going to take much prayer and fasting. But for the sake of a friend or loved one, isn't the sacrifice worth it? Jesus knew prayer and fasting got results. He practiced it, as did His disciples. Throughout the Bible, when men and women faced difficult circumstances, they prayed and fasted. God often responded in miraculous ways. Read and study Isaiah chapter 58, the chapter on the purpose and power of fasting.

Though God does answer our prayers, He rarely answers them when or how we want. We want to see our loved one free now! But God's timing is perfect. His methods are perfect. So, in addition to everything else, wait on Him to work in the life of your loved one. Use the waiting period as an opportunity to strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord. He hears and will help you!

Finally ...

If you suspect that a loved one is involved in homosexuality (or any other form of immorality), try not to panic or lose your temper. Rather, in firm love and honesty, confront the person with what you suspect. Don't accuse! Be prepared for lies and covering up, defiant admission that it's all true, or a brokenhearted confession of guilt. Also remember, this person may truly be innocent of any wrongdoing.

When the situation reaches this point, or is headed in this direction, seek Christ-centered counseling for yourself and, if possible, your loved one. Remember to see Christ as your hope, knowing "That all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Relevant Scriptures