Change is possible with the role of Jesus Christ as deliverer, counselor and Lord.
Ericgarnersetfree-Sequence 1-H
I don't know how anyone could walk away from this lifestyle apart from the help of the Holy Spirit. And I don't think anyone would see the need to walk away from the homosexual life unless they were convicted by the word of God. Homosexuality is becoming more and more widely accepted in our world. Just recently in my area, hundreds of students kept silent all day in support of their gay and lesbian peers. These students joined half a million students nationwide. So to you, the family, the friend, the parent I say, unless you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I don't know how you would assist your loved one to leave that life. The word of God is powerful and it, in concert with the Holy Spirit, is what convicted and helped me to walk away from my life of sin. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.
There are tons of books out there about homosexualtiy covering topics on why people are gay and how to exit the gay lifestyle. The only book I ever needed to conquer this sin is the Bible. It is this book thatI counsel you from. The rest of this page is written to the person who knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you do not have this relationship with Christ and would like to know more, please click here.
Don't give up. If there is one thing you can do for your child, your family member, your friend, it is never give up on them. Whoever it is that lives this lifestyle needs you. If your loved one had a disease or a medical condition or a long term problem, wouldn't you still pray for them? This is no different. There's not going to be any quick fix here. This will take the work of the Holy Spirit and the help of Godly men and women. One thing is for sure, it all starts with prayer for that person. That is how I came out of the gay lifestyle. The brother of the man I was living with was praying for me diligently. He and his wife both were...........for years.
Parents.............people are not going to line up to pray for your child. You'd be abundantly blessed to find one person who would committ to pray for them every day. The reality is no one will ever love your child the way you do. And so the responsibility falls to you. It comes with the job of parenting.
I know at times it seems futile. I know your loved one acts and talks with complete rebellion to God, to you, to the world. But I must remind you, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?". Genesis 18:14. If your loved one's heart has completely hardened to the word of God, that is for the Lord to soften - not you. Your job is NOT to change hearts......your job is to be faithful in prayer; everyday..........for as long as it takes. Your prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God is the God of impossibilities. He can and does change hearts but we must be faithful in prayer. It may take years or decades to see your prayers answered. Sadly, you may never see your prayer answered. If not, does that release you from your responsibility to pray? Absolutely not.
Prayer is where you start. But you can do more. You can love them..........as is. Sin and all. You won't be able to have an influence on them if you treat them with contempt. The Lord loved us before we loved Him.............while we were still sinners. This is the example we are called to follow. Hate the sin, love the sinner. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Finally, be Christ to them. This means being involved in their life. If they are going to see Christ in you, you have to be a part of their life. I am not saying accept the sin. I am saying accept your loved one as is and pray for the Holy Spirit to work on their heart. Talk with them regularly about their work, their trials, their hopes. Tell them you'll pray for whatever problems they are going through. Show your faith. Let them see Christ in YOU. Let your life be a witness in and of itself. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven." Matthew 5:14.
I urge you my friends, be prepared. If you are praying for, loving unconditionally and talking with your loved one on a regular basis, you may be asked one day to explain your faith to them. You very well may get your moment to share the gospel with them. They may ask, why do you put your trust in Him? What does He do for you? These are questions you better be prepared to answer on the spot with great adeptness and conviction. It will probably happen when you least expect it and you must be prepared to give an account on a moment's notice. So prepare your answers before the question gets asked. Write it down. Rehearse it. Do whatever it takes to deliver the message of Christ. "Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart." 1 John 5:10 "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11
If you would like me to pray with you or you need to talk about your loved one, please click on the contact me link.