How to Come Out as Ex-Gay

Just as coming out as a homosexual is difficult, disclosing you are an ex-gay is even more of a challenge, especially given the limited acceptance persons wishing to change their same-sex attraction feel from the church and the gay community alike.

Whether you have been delivered from the temptation of homosexuality through the blood of Jesus Christ or are still believing in God to change your attitudes and strengthen you, you can be assured coming out as an ex-gay person and standing up for the Biblical truth on homosexuality is supported by our Father in Heaven.

1. Acknowledge God

Before you begin the process of coming out as an ex-gay man or woman, thank God for what he has done and acknowledge Him when asked about this change in your life.

Through the blood of his son, Christ Jesus, who died on the cross of Calvary for your sins, you have been made the righteousness of God, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21.

In addition to absolving you of any past wrong doing, washing away all your sins, God has sent the advocate, the Holy Spirit, to help lead you on this journey towards restoration and renewal of mind, body and soul, says John 15:26-27.

Coming out as someone who has been delivered from same-sex attraction seems to always result in being asked a lot of questions. How did this happen? Are you sure you weren't straight to begin with? Are you sure God even changed you? How can God change someone like you?

Stand firm in the Lord, and depend not on your own understanding, Proverbs 3:5 reminds us. If you don't feel like you know what to say, ask the Lord for help. Not only has he promised to give you wisdom without rebuke (James 1:5), Luke 21:15 tells us he will give us such good words that no man will even be able to offer a rebuttal. That's good, isn't it?

Your life is now a testimony to be shared! You are walking proof of God's power, as his power is strengthened even in your weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says. As you live and abide in God's word, your light will shine bright and the fruit of your spirit will be proof positive of the change which has occurred.

Despite God's grace and His amazing love, not everyone will share the same joy you have found in being forgiven and healed of wrong thinking, for that is what homosexuality is--the spirit of the enemy making you believe you are something other than what God created you to be.

While some might celebrate with you, some will challenge your newfound faith, questioning your change from homosexuality to ex-gay. They may attempt to cause you doubt, in which case, remember what Isaiah 2:22 says,

Don't put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?

Another reaction may be persons making fun of you, mocking your change and calling you out purposefully in public to make you feel inferior. But, remember the promise God made to Abraham, that through Christ, now belongs to us (Galatians 3, Genesis 12:2):

I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

Furthermore, expect good things. Zechariah 9:11-12 promises we will be paid with two blessings for each of our troubles.

If your friends are not supportive of your faith in Christ nor supportive of you become an ex-gay, do not take offense; let God fight your battles for you, get involved in a good supportive ministry, find friends who will walk the faith with you, and leave behind the naysayers. God will show you his favor in an amazing way.

While God's grace is sufficient to cover up our past, present and future, a new creature in Christ (for that is what you are!) will desire to do good. However, even though we are ambassadors of Christ, do not be surprised if you are tempted, for the enemy will try to make you stumble.

Just as a recovering alcoholic or drug user might be seduced by situations where alcohol or drugs might be present, the ex-gay can be tempted by homosexual activity, even if God has done a miracle as He did in my life.

If you backslide, know that He still loves you and that you are not returning to square one. Your salvation is still intact. Your temptations are shared by hundreds of thousands of others on earth, and God is faithful not only to ensure you are not given more temptation than you can stand but offers a way out in the face of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says.

The best way to resist temptation is to not give the devil a foothold in the first place, according to Ephesians 4:27. The source of temptation can come from certain friends, locations, and choices we make, such as watching TV, movies, listening to music or visiting websites with themes which can stir attitudes outside of those which agree with God's word.

Remember what Proverbs 4:23 says:

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

If you find yourself increasingly giving in to temptation or exhibit behaviors which are not Christ-focused and approved, you need to consider the things in your life which might foster a weak spirit man. Watch what you speak, especially, as Luke 6:45 cautions that what comes from your mouth is what is in you heart.

If your words aren't agreeing with God's, it's a good bet there might be a foothold of the enemy in your camp! Pray for wisdom and refrain from making actions which put you at risk for temptation.

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Thoughts? Share with us on Twitter at @exgay how this resource may have influenced your decision for Christ today, your thoughts and comments.