It is simply not possible to argue for gay relationships from the Bible.
Attempts by some church leaders to do so inevitably involve twisting some texts and ignoring others. God’s word is, in fact, clear. The Bible consistently prohibits any sexual activity outside of marriage.
As someone who experiences homosexual feelings, this is not always an easy word to hear. It has sometimes been very painful to come to terms with what the Bible says.
There have been times of acute temptation and longing—times when I have been ‘in love.’ And yet, Scripture shows that these longings are distortions of what God has created me for.
But however much we have to leave behind, we are never left out of pocket. Whatever is given up, Jesus replaces, in godly kind and greater measure. No one who leaves will fail to receive, and the returns are extraordinary—a hundredfold.
What we give up for Jesus does not compare to what he gives back. If the costs are great, the rewards are even greater, even in this life.
For myself, these include a wonderful depth of friendship God has given me with many brothers and sisters; the opportunities of singleness; the privilege of a wide-ranging ministry; and the community of a wonderful church family.
But greater than any of these things is the opportunity that any complex and difficult situation presents us with: to learn the all-sufficiency of Christ—learning that fullness of life and joy is in him and his service, and nowhere else.
There is a huge amount to say on this issue, but the main point is this: The moment you think following Jesus will be a poor deal for someone, you call Jesus a liar. Discipleship is not always easy. Leaving anything cherished behind is profoundly hard.
But Jesus is always worth it.
