The Bible says that God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26). Therefore, our identity is not based on our interests, desires, or attractions. Whether someone struggles with same-sex attraction, alcoholism, drug abuse, or even just pride, we do not identify them by that feeling. That is why we don’t say that being gay is just who someone is. In the same way, we don’t say that someone who is addicted to drugs is ”just an addict.” "That’s who he is.” ”That’s an alcoholic.” ”That’s a prideful person." The Bible says that we are God’s creation. When we are saved, we are identified as God’s children. Yes, you may be attracted to the same sex or struggle in a similar area, but that is not what defines you. You are more than that. You are God’s creation. Therefore, we see a response to that same-sex attraction as a choice — and a sin because it goes against God’s design. The Bible does not say that is a sin to struggle with same-sex attraction. The Bible says that it is a sin to act on that struggle — to engage in homosexual behavior. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11: 9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. 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.)
It is a sin because God created man and woman to be husband and wife. He did not create man to be with man or woman to be with woman. (Mark 10:6-9: “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”) He understands that because of how this world is, this is a confusing thing for some people. There are so many instances in the Bible where men lust after men and women lust after women. God calls these acts shameful — and that can sound brutal. But God wants us to live holy lives that glorify Him. For all of us, saved or not saved, it is hard to live like God created us to live. We have to learn every day to surrender our thoughts and desires to God’s greater purpose for our lives. It can definitely feel like a sacrifice, but God is ”working all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Even after those with a same-sex attraction get saved, they will still have those same feelings and attractions. But they can choose to stop living that lifestyle. With time, they can learn to surrender those desires in order to be the people God created them to be. The truth sets us free. The truth about our identity and purpose as children of God. Being led by the Spirit means giving up on the selfish things we want for ourselves and letting God guide us to look more like Jesus.
