What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - "That Is What Some of You Were"

Those who wanted to become Christians in the first century came from various backgrounds and lifestyles, and some of them made significant lifestyle changes.  For example, the Bible speaks of "those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts," and then it adds: "That is what some of you were." - 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11.

In saying "that is what some of you were," does the Bible mean that those who stopped engaging in homosexual acts never again experience any homosexual desires? That could hardly be the case; because the Bible also exhorts: "Keep walking  by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire. - GALATIANS 5:16.

Note that the Bible does not say that a Christian will never again experience  an improper desire. Rather, it says that he or she will choose not to carry out that desire.  Christians learn to bring such desires under control, not dwelling on them to the point of acting on them. -  JAMES 1:14, 15.

The Bible thus makes a distinction between inclinations and practices.   (Romans 7:16-25)  A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings toward anger, adultery, and greed. - 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27; 2 PETER 2:14, 15. 

While Jehovah's Witnesses uphold the moral code set forth in the Bible, they do not force their views on others. Nor do they try to reverse law that protect the human rights of those whose lifestyle differs from theirs.  The message that Jehovah's  Witnesses bear is a positive  one, and they eagerly share it with all who will listen. - ACTS 20:20.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

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