I'm still praying for them, but it's painful to talk to them. Especially considering the outpouring of contempt that gets dumped on me for being an ex-gay, even when we're talking about something completely different.
It's pretty sad when folks rationalize what is very clear in Scripture. Since Jesus believed sex outside of marriage was sin, I usually take two approaches here.
I'll ask them what Jesus said to the prostitute (John 8:1-11), what he said about marriage (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7) and ask them how they can rationalize what is very clear. Of course there is also Paul's comments in Romans 1:18-32, and his statement that some Corinthians were previously homosexual in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
My second argument is to ask them why pastors are put in prison for preaching what the Bible says about homosexuality. If they've rationalized away all Scripture, how do they explain the persecution of pastors who preach against homosexuality? While they may not want to admit to anything, or just claim a difference of interpretation, at least the idea has been presented to them. Of course the key is in how it is presented.
I'm still praying for them, but it's painful to talk to them. Especially considering the outpouring of contempt that gets dumped on me for being an ex-gay, even when we're talking about something completely different.
No doubt, that's a difficult position you're in. There may be little else you can do for them. That's not to say prayer is any small thing - that's your best weapon against this fight. My only suggestion is to keep doing what you're doing. I'll add you to my prayers.
G-d bless you!
Why does your decision to leave the homosexual lifestyle cause them such pain? Why would it cause them more pain than your decision to enter into it?
I am honestly curious. Have you probed this at all?
Shalom.