Speaking the Truth in Love: A Christian Response to Homosexuality

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has long affirmed a biblical approach to questions about sexuality, including the topic of homosexuality. This topic is both a challenge and an opportunity for Christians to proclaim the truth of God’s Word and extend the hope of the Gospel to all people. This article summarizes key teachings of the LCMS on homosexuality and encourages a pastoral response rooted in truth, compassion, and the power of Jesus Christ.

---

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

God’s Word clearly teaches that homosexuality is a sin and not part of His design for human sexuality. From the beginning, God created marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). Homosexual behavior is a distortion of this design and is consistently condemned in Scripture.

Key Bible passages include:

• Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

• Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.”

• Romans 1:26–27 – Paul describes same-sex acts as “dishonorable passions” and “shameless acts.”

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 – “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral … nor men who practice homosexuality … will inherit the kingdom of God.”

• 1 Timothy 1:9–10 – The law is for “the ungodly … the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality … and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”

These passages reflect the consistent teaching of the Bible: homosexual behavior is sin and stands under God’s judgment, just like any sin that is unrepented. However, this does not make the church’s message one of condemnation—it is a message of rescue and hope in Christ.

---

The Church’s Message to All Sinners, Including Homosexuals

The central message of Christianity is the same for every person, regardless of their particular sins: Repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15). All people are born with a sinful nature and commit sins in thought, word, and deed (Romans 3:23). Homosexuality is one among many expressions of this fallen human condition.

But God’s grace is greater than all sin. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life, die for the sins of the world, and rise again to bring forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Through repentance and faith in Christ, all sins—including homosexuality—are forgiven, and new life is given through the Holy Spirit.

As one Lutheran statement put it:

“The Church must exhibit understanding and sympathy for the homosexual, show love and pastoral concern … proclaim the forgiveness of sin for Christ’s sake, and the possibility of new life through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This is the core of our hope: God loves sinners and transforms lives through the Gospel.

---

Responding to the “Gay Rights” Movement

The LCMS distinguishes between loving the sinner and approving of the sin. The “gay rights” movement seeks to normalize homosexuality as a valid lifestyle, often pushing for legal recognition of same-sex marriage and approval within churches. Some Christian denominations have changed their stance on homosexuality, influenced by cultural pressure and theological shifts that question the authority of Scripture.

This change is often rooted in the rise of higher criticism, a method of biblical interpretation that places human judgment above God’s Word. By contrast, the LCMS maintains the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and holds fast to the unchanging truth of Scripture.

Christians should speak clearly but lovingly against false teachings, including those that downplay or deny the Bible’s view of sin. They are also encouraged to be informed citizens, voting for laws and leaders who respect biblical morality.

---

Loving and Supporting Families of Homosexuals

Families of individuals caught in a homosexual lifestyle often struggle with shame, confusion, or temptation to justify sin. Christians should reach out to them with compassion—not increasing their burdens, but walking with them in love and truth. Encouragement should be grounded in Christ, who comforts the grieving and strengthens the weary (Isaiah 40:29–31).

When Christian families continue to show love and speak truth, they offer a powerful witness. They are not affirming the sin, but affirming the worth of the person as someone for whom Christ died. By being patient, prayerful, and present, family members and friends can be instruments of God’s mercy and healing.

---

A Call to Clarity and Courage

In today’s media and entertainment culture, homosexuality is often portrayed as just another natural variation of human expression. Popular shows and messages often paint Christians who oppose this as intolerant or bigoted. This cultural narrative makes it even more important for parents, pastors, and Christian leaders to teach biblical truth clearly and without compromise.

As Ephesians 4:15 exhorts, “Speak the truth in love.” Christians are called to live with both conviction and compassion, refusing to water down God’s Word while extending the mercy of Christ to everyone.

---

Resources for Ministry

The LCMS supports efforts to help individuals struggling with homosexuality through pastoral care and guidance for individuals and families. Christians can also find helpful study materials, such as A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality, available from Concordia Publishing House.

For those seeking healing and hope, the church offers the most important thing of all: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, who forgives sin and gives new life.

---

Conclusion

The church’s message to those struggling with homosexuality is not one of hate or exclusion, but of hope. God’s Word tells the truth about sin—but it also tells the greater truth of a Savior who forgives, renews, and restores. The LCMS calls its members to be faithful to Scripture, compassionate toward all people, and confident in the Gospel that saves sinners and changes lives.

As the Apostle Paul wrote:

“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)

This is the promise for all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith.