Answer: There is a “church” in the United States that promotes the slogan “God hates fags.” This group pickets gay parades, gay bars, gay events, gay funerals, etc. This group also sometimes protests at military funerals, claiming that the soldier was killed because the USA is supporting the homosexual agenda. Is there any truth to their claims? Does God hate gay people?

Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us, “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Notice that homosexuality does not make this list. It would be more biblical to promote phrases such as “God hates liars” and “God hates murderers.” While the Bible declares that God hates all workers of iniquity (Psalm 5:5), the Bible nowhere singles out homosexuals as objects of God’s hatred.

That does not mean, however, the Bible approves of homosexuality. The Bible consistently tells us that homosexuality is a sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches explicitly that homosexuality is a result of a continual rebellion against God. When people continue in disbelief, the Bible tells us that God “gives them over,” allowing them to experience their sinful desires and the resulting consequences. First Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. Homosexuality is immoral and unnatural. It is a disruption of the “natural order” and, more importantly, of God’s view of sexuality.

With all that said, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a greater sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, all have sinned and are outside the kingdom of God in their own merit (Romans 3:23; 6:23). No one is good enough. But God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ is extended to all people; anyone who puts his faith in Jesus can be forgiven of all his sin and become God’s child (John 1:12; 3:16–18; Ephesians 2:1–10). God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, fornicator, idol worshiper, thief, greedy person, etc.—it is equally available to all sinners, which is all human beings. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17). First Corinthians 6:11 says, “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” (emphasis added).

Does God approve of homosexuality? No. Can a person truly be a Christian and at the same time a practicing homosexual? According to 1 Corinthians 6:9, no. While Christians should stand firm in the biblically based conviction that homosexuality is sin, we must also keep the tone of the message biblically based. Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to “speak the truth...in love.” First Peter 3:15 teaches us to proclaim the truth, but to do so with “gentleness and respect.” Our message should be focused on the forgiveness and freedom from sin that are available through the Lord Jesus Christ.