How do you talk to your LGBT friends about Jesus?

[paisleypanther]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

 

[Lightskin]

Be an example of God’s love. Your friend is the one who has nasty things to say about others, prove him wrong by being a beacon of light, love and grace.

 

[Chloe24]

It’s definitely a really delicate situation. I’ve been in similar situations with friends and it’s not easy. I’m really glad you’re taking your time and being thoughtful about this, so many of the LGBTQ community have had horrible encounters with “Christians” and it just pushes them farther and farther away. My advice is to pray for your friend everyday that the lord will prepare his heart and give you wisdom what you should say. When I was younger I got so caught up in sharing the Jesus with my friends I did it on my timing and not the Lords and it didn’t flow, it wasn’t time, I jumped the gun. My intentions were good but I made a mess. What I’ve learned is that I don’t know God’s plan and I need to step back and pray and follow his directions. You may be the one to share Jesus with your friend, or you might just be there to plant a seed, and show him kindness. Don’t feel the need to hide your faith if it comes to organically mention that you’re a Christian and leave it at that and he can ask questions at his own pace. Keep doing what you’re doing I’ll be praying for you and your friend.

 

[Kojikun]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

I have several friends who are Lgbtq+ I love them both dearly. It's a touchy subject I've struggled with minor same sex attraction in the past but I believe it was due to my pornograhy addiction which I've been dealing with for 2 decades now. Showing the change in you is important and going the extra mile if need be can help. Prove there views about Christian's wrong by being real with them.

 

[ArtsieSteph]

*Sighs* Sadly that tends to be a big tightrope to walk. It’s trying to show the person that you care about them and God loves them, even though He doesn’t approve of his lifestyle.

All I can think of is be compassionate. Be straightforward. You’re telling them about your faith because you want them to be loved, loved by Christ for their entire heart. And to receive what is better than what they’re settling for. You know?

 

[KhedetOrthos]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality).

Cast not your pearls before swine.

I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle.

God is going to judge him for his lifestyle. That’s going to be a bigger problem for him than whatever you tell him.

The real challenge for you is to be the light of Christ in contrast to his anti-God commentary so that third parties can see the difference between you two and in that they, not he, may become saved.

 

[breno785au]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

It's interesting isn't it. Be who you are around your friend. They are being exactly who they are (at this point in time)
If you can't be who you are around them, then reconsider the friendship, because that is not a friendship at all if you can't be yourself.
I have an athiest friend whom I didn't see for many years after I came to Christ, we suddenly started meeting up and have had in depth conversations about what we both believe.
He used to try and curb his swearing by saying sorry etc. I told him, Chris, don't apologise, I'm not offended. I want you to be who you are, and I will be who I am.

With that comfort between each other, there's many times where I quite easily bring up the things of God with him and we can discuss.

It's only when people start censoring themselves, start putting up a different face from each other and eventually walls so that no one sees who each other really are. You can't intimately know a person when things are like that.

I hope I explained that clearly enough.

 

[Aerials1978]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

Ravi Zacharias gives the best answer as anyone who is a Christian could

 

[Ahwatukee]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

Hello paisleypanther!

I would tell them the truth by telling them that they have the freedom and the right to continue living a same-sex life style if they desire. However, the consequences are the same, where they will never inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God. This is made quite clear in 1 Cor.6:9

"Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

The problem that we have today is that, many who are living a same sex life style are attempting to make it normal just like marriage between a man and a woman. Yet God calls it detestable! Instead of repenting, they are justifying their sin in order to continue in it, which is just the opposite of repentance.

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

Telling them about the consequences for living a sexually immoral life style, is loving them.

 

[DancingForJesus]

OP:
Talking to your friend about your faith without being told by God to do so will likely not help anything and result in heartache. If God tells you to speak to your friend about Jesus or a related topic, fear not, for those words will be given to you in that time. Even if your friend's ears were not ready to receive, if God called you to speak, then it surely planted a seed.

Luke 12:11-12 (NLT)
"And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” "

My husband had an interesting response to a homosexual's statement of: "But it is love, I would die for my partner." My husband said, "And I would die for my mother or my sister or my brother, but that doesn't make it appropriate to have sexual relations with them."

I've personally, though not been sexually attracted per se, have seen some women before and thought them very beautiful, just like most women I'm sure (Who wasn't aware of the (supposedly) "prettiest girl in school", for example?). Sometimes the thoughts came from a place of envy, for I was once very insecure in myself and almost hated the other girls for their looks as compared to my own. Nowadays, it's typically just, "Wow, she looks pretty" or "She looks nice today." It never goes into lustful type of attraction, I've never had thoughts like that about my same sex. But I thought it's worth mentioning, because how many homosexuals take an initial innocent appreciation for beauty to a deeper level by pondering and thinking and lusting on the thoughts?

Lastly, God has taught me that homosexuals, bisexuals, and especially transsexuals come from a place of deep pain. They've been hurt severely, usually in their childhood and developmental years. In addition to the mental component, we've had a lot of physical factors, hormonal manipulation, especially pharmaceutical meddling. After all, pharma does come from the Greek word pharmakeia, which meant witchcraft. Then there's the spiritual factor, by which they are seeking after and attaching themselves to lustful spirits.

All said and done, there's many different facets to this issue, and you should seek the Holy Spirit in all that you do and ask to be guided in your steps and your words.

 

[JeremiahsCup]

Well it is very simple; do not be friends with them if they turn to something so evil as that thing. If you try to be friends with them, they will only try to corrupt you into tolerating this evil thing, or even worse, becoming like one of them. Simply get rid of them. Since our fathers of the flesh are too weak and evil to rid the sodomites from the land, just remove yourself from the presence of such high wickedness. Find better friends and you will find better fellowship.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

[Isaiah263]

One of my closest friends in college is a gay atheist who says a lot of pretty awful things about Christianity (mainly because he doesn't like what the Bible says about homosexuality). I want to talk to him about my relationship with Jesus because he is very depressed and nihilistic. However, I am afraid about mentioning my faith because I know he'll be scared that I'm judging him for his lifestyle. My sister (who is Christian) has experienced same-sex attraction ever since she was young but she doesn't act on those feelings or entertain those thoughts. Because of this, I feel a lot of empathy and understanding for the LGBT community. Do you find it difficult to talk to your friends about same-sex attraction? How do you answer their questions about the Bible and homosexuality in a loving, empathetic, and informative way?

Anyone can answer this question but I am especially interested in hearing from those who have experienced same-sex attraction <3

You give the reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Your friend was made in the image of God. When I share the Gospel I always remind myself of that and if not by the Grace of God, I'd be on the same road to Hell.
I was saved from a lifestyle of sin that was more damaging than homosexuality. But sin is sin. God treats my angry thought 5 minutes ago the same as all my perverse sins of my past (Romans 5:8). I've learned that telling people God loves them is short of what they need. What do you mean by "love"? Like human love? No.
God's Agape love toward your friend goes way beyond human love. What Jesus went through fully for the zillions+ of sins ever committed we will never understand. But He did it.

Continue to pray for your friend, because it will take the effectual call of the Holy Spirit to radically change him. Our human minds cannot see the Spiritual realm and the working of God but if you're sincere when you talk with Him, The Lord will guide you.
One side note: God historically loves to radically change atheists and those hostile to Him. I think of C.S. Lewis or Saul of Tarsus (Paul) so there is certainly hope for your friend. I'll be praying for him too.