How can Christians uphold Leviticus 18:22 while showing love to all individuals? Grounded in God’s Design for Sexuality Leviticus 18:22 sets a clear moral boundary: “You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination.” • Scripture presents sex as God’s gift to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). • Upholding this design honors God’s holiness and reflects His creative order. • Moral absolutes in the Law are reaffirmed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-11), showing continuity of God’s standard. Seeing Every Person as God’s Image-Bearer • Genesis 1:27 reminds us that every human being bears God’s image. • Because of that shared dignity, believers must reject insults, slurs, or demeaning labels (James 3:9-10). • Our stance on behavior must never translate into contempt for people who engage in it. Loving Without Compromising Truth • Jesus held perfect tension between grace and truth (John 1:14). • Love calls sin what it is while pointing to forgiveness and transformation in Christ (John 8:11). • 1 Corinthians 13:6: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Practical Expressions of Christ-like Love • Listen with genuine interest; avoid assuming motives (James 1:19). • Speak respectfully: tone and body language matter as much as words (Colossians 4:6). • Offer hospitality—meals, shared activities, acts of service—without affirming actions Scripture forbids (Romans 12:9-10). • Share personal testimony of God’s grace; invite, don’t coerce (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Stand against bullying or violence toward anyone, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Remembering Our Common Need for the Gospel • “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) • Sexual sin is not singled out as the only sin; every believer stands by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). • 1 Corinthians 6:11 celebrates transformation: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…”. The gospel offers forgiveness and new life to all who repent and believe. Guarding Personal Integrity • Examine your own life for purity in thought and deed (Psalm 139:23-24). • Cultivate friendships that hold you accountable in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Pray for wisdom and compassion as you engage (Philippians 1:9-11). |
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