Homosexual behavior is an attempt to fulfill normal legitimate needs for love, acceptance, affirmation and identity through sexual intimacy with someone of the same sex.  Oftentimes in a fallen world parents are not what they should be, and through their sin, frailty and the circumstances of life they neglect the needed measure of emotional support for the psychological growth, stability and security of their children.  These unfulfilled needs set the table for developing destructive patterns of hurt, anger, rebellion and low self-esteem.  Additionally, negative experiences from family, friends and acquaintances as well as sexual abuse are major contributing factors.  These patterns are usually accompanied by fear, isolation and envy.  Fear, because those who ought to love us (parents, family and friends) don't seem to and for reasons we don't understand.  Isolation, because low self-esteem can hinder our ability to relate to others.  Envy, because we see in others the qualities we think we lack and are therefore drawn to them.

In most cases, it's revealing to see that attractions for the same sex begin before the age of ten; they are often emotional, non-sexual and involuntary.  Oftentimes adolescents who are already feeling rejected and worthless react to their need for affirmation by seeking pleasure, which they can interpret as love.  With sexual maturity, that need can become eroticized and sexual intimacy becomes a way to feel loved and affirmed.  Therefore, we reason that to be sexually active is to be accepted and worthy.  We are esteemed and idolized by someone like us and there is a temporary relief from identity confusion.  Furthermore, while in the lifestyle and defying society's norms, we can find a temporary refuge from its hostility.

Homosexuality is clearly two-fold.  A fallen world imposes wounds, fears, alienation and identity confusion, and people react with sinful choices in an attempt to compensate and console themselves.

In addition to the emotional damage, a person can often blame God for his hurts and for "creating" him homosexual.  When an adult says he has been a homosexual all his life (therefore "born that way"), he is recalling his emotional state from his earliest remembrance and drawing a conclusion that has distorted his view of God, himself and others.  It is the responsibility of God's people to tell the truth in love: that God really wants to forgive the sin that has blinded His children to His designs and purpose and to heal their wounds.

Confusion calls for truth.  Compulsion calls for deliverance.  Wounds call for compassion and healing.  Sin calls for repentance and forgiveness.

• Loneliness can be replaced with the incomparable presence of God and real Christian friends

• Emotional hurts can be healed by His love which fulfills where human love fails

• Fear can be dispelled by confidence and trust in Him who chose us and loves us

• Confusion can be cleared away by the pure light of God's truth in the Bible

• Sin can be forgiven and the bondage of anger, rebellion, envy and lust can be broken by the mercy and power of God

I keep the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I cannot be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure.  For You have not given me up to hell, or let your godly one see the pit.  You have shown me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy, in Your right hand are pleasures forever... (Ps. 16:8-11)