[27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. 1: 27-32].
This is not a message of condemnation. No scripture stands alone but follows the train of thought of a God who loves all mankind. Romans chapter 2 starts off with a rebuke to those who would condemn those mentioned in chapter 1 because they, as all of us so often do, place our sin on the "not so bad list" while everyone elses sin goes on the "go straight to hell do not pass go" list.
Rom. 2: 2 asserts that only God's judgement is based on truth and in verse 3 the question is asked of those who judge as to whether they shall escape the judgement of God for they are doing things equally as bad in the eyes of God as those they are judging?
With verse 4 He reminds us of God grace...[Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom. 2: 4].
I'm not sure which side it was that turned this issue into a war. It really doesn't matter at this point. When things of this nature get this far along people no longer care about what is truth, only what they feel is right. [For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim. 4: 3-4]
So if your life is characterized by, "unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful or [Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev. 18: 22] also [If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Levi. 20: 13]. Then it is time to....[come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4: 16].
So what should we do then? Well if someone is found out to be in a same sex relationship....[Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, RESTORE such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Gal. 6: 1].
If someone though insists on continuing in their sin then Paul's exhortation is....[But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator (the word in the greek is; pornos), or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Cor. 5: 11]. This is not meant to hurt others (though it has been used this way) but rather to protect those within the fellowship from accepting something as acceptable rather then sinful. Read all of 1 Cor. 5.
Even as as christian I have done things that have been equally as wrong as the sins of everyone else in the eyes of God. But, I am not willing to stay enslaved to these passions. The Bible states...[And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5: 24]. This then is my responsibility, to crucify within myself lust and desire that runs contrary to the will of God revealed to me in His Word. It may take me the rest of my life to come only a little of the way to [being... conformed to the image of his Son...Rom. 8: 29] but if it takes that long that's fine the journey is worth it!
I realize some of you may not be happy with my comment but I assure you I have no ill will for anyone. If you respond...please respond to the scriptures I have provided and not my commentary. Blessings!