Being homosexual(gay or lesbian) is now becoming, or has become a normal thing in most countries of the world, many countries have legalized being homosexual, and many are on the verge of legalizing it, and for this reason, many people can now openly come out and express their sexuality.
The fact that so many people can now come out and express their sexuality, means that as Christians, we are going to have more of them around us, whether it be friends, relatives, school mates, nor simply acquaintances, they would be around us.
The question now is how should a Christian who knows that being homosexual is a sin to God, react to friends and relatives who come out as homosexual? and as we are told that sin is darkness, and we are told in the bible according to 2 Corinthians 6:14 that light and darkness cannot be together, and that we should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
Just to be clear, as a Christian who finds such people around you, the first thing to do is not to cast them away, because even Jesus made friends with prostitutes, and other sinners [Luke 5:30, 7:34].
I have seen situations like that where such persons are ostracized from the family, and are in some cases physically and emotionally abused.
The first thing to do is to make sure to let them know that you still love them irrespective of their mistakes, after all Jesus encourages us to love all men, because we are ambassadors of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Peter also advices that in dealing with those who God sends our way,[ even sinners], we must be prepared to giver proper answers to their questions about our hope and salvation with gentleness and respect, keeping a clean conscience[ 1 Peter 3:15-16] this is so that in a bid to not be associated with unbelievers, we do not end up sinning.
Another major thing to do is to make these friends and relatives who come out as homosexuals know our stand and belief about homosexuality, they should know that our stand on such is exactly what the bible and God stand for.
We should never be conflicted about where we stand concerning that, they must be aware that according to the bible in Romans 1:26-27, homosexual behavior is sinful.
They should also be aware that God’s forgiveness is available to all who is ready to come to him, and believe [ Romans 1:16].
Finally, when a relative, a friend, a school mate, or an acquaintance comes out as gay, we should and must show that person respect love and care without in any way condoning their homosexual lifestyle, we should also pray and hope that God woulhd grant them knowledge of the truth that would lead them to repentance 2 Timothy 2:25.
We must also make sure that we exhibit the fruits of the spirit every day and every time.