L
Lad: I don't believe it's my place as a Christian to judge nonChristians. However, within the body of Christ, we have an obligation to each other in regards to accountability. That said, everything that comes out of my mouth should be kind:
Col. 4:6
New International Version (©1984)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
And Eph. 4:29
New International Version (©1984)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Also, there is a vast difference between someone who is "living in sin" and someone who is a sinner. I personally believe it's a matter of the heart, that even people who struggle with sin and fall to temptation can still be saved. We know that God's word says:
1Jhn 5:18
New International Version (©1984)
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
But I think a better understanding of the original Greek can be found in:
New Living Translation (©2007)
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
I think this link is REALLY good for a more in-depth look at this passage:
Blue Letter Bible - Commentaries - Chuck Smith - Chuck Smith Sermon Notes
Lad, I am so glad God delivered you from that life. It is a hard road for you, standing up both against the nonChristians who would say you never sinned (or that you betray everyone who is "born" a homosexual), and also against your fellow Christians who would be less than understanding. I really admire your courage and strength, to be that witness to God's healing power and bring understanding to people who have never known that a gay man can change his entire life through Jesus Christ.
Col. 4:6
New International Version (©1984)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
And Eph. 4:29
New International Version (©1984)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Also, there is a vast difference between someone who is "living in sin" and someone who is a sinner. I personally believe it's a matter of the heart, that even people who struggle with sin and fall to temptation can still be saved. We know that God's word says:
1Jhn 5:18
New International Version (©1984)
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
But I think a better understanding of the original Greek can be found in:
New Living Translation (©2007)
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
I think this link is REALLY good for a more in-depth look at this passage:
Blue Letter Bible - Commentaries - Chuck Smith - Chuck Smith Sermon Notes
Lad, I am so glad God delivered you from that life. It is a hard road for you, standing up both against the nonChristians who would say you never sinned (or that you betray everyone who is "born" a homosexual), and also against your fellow Christians who would be less than understanding. I really admire your courage and strength, to be that witness to God's healing power and bring understanding to people who have never known that a gay man can change his entire life through Jesus Christ.
And thanks, all glory to God.