SEXUAL IMMORALITY
Background
We have become overwhelmed by the so-called sexual revolution. It has been romanticized and glorified out of all proportion. That which began in defiance of biblical principles has become the battle cry of the hedonists: "If it feels right, do it—as long as nobody gets hurt."
How ironic this maudlin defense of immorality sounds in the light of its devastating legacy to the nation: millions of illegitimate births, shattered personalities, divorce, abortions, and rampant sexual diseases—some of which are incurable.
God expressly forbids irresponsible sexual behavior, in order to spare us the disastrous consequences: "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord. . . . Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:13, 18, NIV).
Billy Graham says: "Premarital sexual relations are always a mistake. . . . The Bible condemns sex outside the bonds of matrimony. The fact that immorality is rampant throughout the nation doesn't make it right!"
God condemns immorality, but He offers deliverance. In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, the apostle Paul says that none of the sexually immoral will inherit the kingdom of God. But, he adds, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed [born again], you were sanctified [cleansed], you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11, NIV).
As with any other sin, God has dealt with immorality through the cross.
Helping Strategy
1. Tell the inquirer you are glad he or she called. Show that you are a caring, concerned person—without being patronizing. Don't be judgmental.
2. Listen with sensitivity and ask questions only for understanding of the problem. Draw no conclusions nor offer any spiritual solutions until you have a complete perspective.