Homosexuality: Living by Feelings or Following Jesus?

Lately, social media, blogs, and the news have been full of articles authored by Christians that support living a homosexual lifestyle. They believe God created some people with a propensity toward others of the same sex, and that God would not expect them to live without fulfilling their deep-felt need for human love. Some go on to clarify that their sexuality is actually part of their God-given identity.

This is Biblically wrong on so many fronts I can’t even begin to address; I’ll leave theological discussion to those more qualified than me. If you want to read more about what the Bible says specifically on homosexuality, I’ve included links at the end of this post. I hope you check them out.

What I want to address is the basic premise of living by feelings vs. following Jesus as His disciples. I don’t believe you can do both – one or the other will govern your life. Many arguments in support of homosexuality center on how people feel, and about pursuing happiness in this lifetime.

That’s the world’s way of living.

The Bible teaches us to deny our feelings – dethrone them – and follow Jesus. Jesus Himself says in Mark 9:23b (NIV): “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”  Jesus did not say, “when and if you feel it deep down inside”, or “let your feelings be your guide.” Jesus said, “deny yourself.”

For those of you reading who feel I’m being judgmental, exactly the opposite is true. I want to offer hope to those struggling with homosexuality... or any other sin. Jesus once told me, “If you don’t call it sin, you can’t take it to the Cross.” When you do call sin, sin, Jesus is right there to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In exchange for the sin you take to the Cross, He fills you with His peace, His love, and His joy.

I am also not trying to make light of struggles that are very real and difficult. Confessing sin and turning from it – any sin – doesn’t mean all struggles end. It means we have Jesus to help us in and through our struggles, and we can live in greater intimacy with Him as we live in obedience to His commands.

No earthly pleasure can compare with intimacy with Jesus. Sin blocks that intimacy.

Added 2/7/15: I read this very insightful article on the solution to the problem of sin in all of us: more of Jesus. For years I prayed for God to make me straight. So why did my prayers go unanswered? The author knows what it is to struggle, and is overcoming one day at a time.

For additional articles, please see the following links:

Sam Allberry, associate pastor at St Mary’s Church in Maidenhead, UK:

   Review of “God and the Gay Christian”  

   Article, “How Can the Gospel be Good News to Gays?” 

   Article, “How Can the Church Help Those Battling Same Sex Attraction?”

Dr. Michael Brown, “In the Line of Fire”

Article, “Are We Putting Impossible Burdens on Gays and Lesbians?”

Article, “What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality”

If you are struggling with any sin, know that Jesus loves you and does not condemn you in your struggles. He came to save you - to deliver you from your sins. 


Pray and ask Him to help you. He will. 

I pray the Lord opens your heart and mind to receive the truth about His unfailing love for you, and the truth about how much He hates your sin because it is hurting you. I pray He gives you grace to understand, faith to believe, and courage to act on the truth He reveals.

Are you willing to search out the truth that will set you free? (John 8:31-32)

I hope so!

Discussion Questions: Do you support the Biblical view that living a homosexual lifestyle is a sin? Do you speak up and share your viewpoint when given a chance, to help others find freedom?