Yes, homosexuality is a sin. Get over it.

The topic of homosexuality has become increasingly significant in modern discussions about faith, morality, and societal values. For Christians, understanding this issue requires examining scripture carefully and considering its implications for how we live and interact with others. While homosexuality is traditionally viewed as a sin in Christianity, it is crucial to address opposing interpretations and ensure our responses are rooted in both truth and love.

The Bible consistently portrays homosexuality as sinful behavior. In Leviticus 18:22, God commands, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This passage, part of the Mosaic Law, reflects God’s design for human relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. Similarly, Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex relations as unnatural, stating that they result from humanity turning away from God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists homosexual behavior among actions that prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God. These verses suggest that homosexual acts deviate from God’s intended order and are therefore classified as sin. It is important to note that sin, in its broadest sense, encompasses all actions and attitudes that fall short of God’s holiness.

Opponents of this traditional interpretation present compelling arguments rooted in both biblical scholarship and cultural considerations. Some argue that the prohibitions in Leviticus were specific to the cultural context of ancient Israel and no longer apply to Christians under the new covenant. Others claim that Romans 1 is not a condemnation of consensual same-sex relationships but rather of exploitative or idolatrous practices common in the Greco-Roman world. Additionally, advocates for a more inclusive interpretation point to Jesus’s teachings on love and inclusion, asserting that the gospel emphasizes acceptance over judgment. They suggest that Christians should reinterpret scripture to reflect the evolving understanding of love and identity in contemporary society.

While these arguments are thoughtful, they often fall short when evaluated against the full counsel of scripture. The moral principles underlying biblical prohibitions, such as those on sexual immorality, transcend cultural and temporal contexts. Jesus Himself affirmed the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman in Matthew 19:4-6, grounding this definition in the creation narrative. Reinterpreting passages like Romans 1 to exclude consensual relationships risks distorting the Bible’s clear teachings on sexual ethics. Although love and acceptance are central to the gospel, they do not nullify the moral standards God has established. To reshape scripture to align with modern preferences undermines its authority and coherence.

At the same time, Christians must remember that we are called to love and respect all people, including those who identify as homosexual. Jesus’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves is not contingent on their beliefs or actions. True Christian love involves treating everyone with dignity and compassion, even when we disagree with their choices. This love does not mean affirming behavior that contradicts God’s will, but it does require humility, grace, and a refusal to engage in condemnation or hostility. Harmful attitudes or actions toward homosexual individuals not only fail to reflect Christ’s love but also risk driving people further from the gospel.