Week 11…Live Differently.

“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.”
—Leviticus 18:3 (NIV)

We’re digging into chapters 17 and 18 this week, primarily 18. It’s not that chapter 17 isn’t important, but last week we mentioned the meaning of “blood” and the importance of not eating blood with their food. Therefore, we’re focusing on and totally going THERE, with Leviticus 18 and sexual impurities.

Leviticus 18 lays out God’s clear boundaries for sexual conduct, reminding Israelites not to adopt the behaviors of the nations around them. The chapter lists forbidden relationships, mostly within families, and condemns practices like adultery, child sacrifice, and same-sex relations, calling them detestable. God ties obedience to these commands with the health and holiness of the people and their land. His aim is not restriction for restriction’s sake, but protection, dignity, and distinction for His people.

Here’s the way I see it, and to me it’s quite simple:

God’s people have always been called to live differently.

In a culture where “follow your heart” is often the motto, Leviticus 18 feels radical…even offensive to some. But this chapter isn’t about outdated rules, it’s about identity. God is setting His people apart not to shame them, but to shield them from the brokenness that comes when intimacy is distorted. To remind them that THEY are HIS which comes with order and holiness, and not confused people wandering around choosing what may “feel good”.

In today’s world, sexual boundaries are often blurred or dismissed. Yet God’s heart remains the same: to honor the sacredness of our bodies, protect relationships, and foster trust, wholeness, and love rooted in His design. This chapter reminds us that holiness is also honoring the relationship design God gifted us with…and the fact that He didn’t get it wrong.

At it’s core, Lev 18 was calling the Israelites to not live like those around them. To be set apart. To live differently. It was God's call to holiness in the area of sexual integrity, which still very much so applies to today.

What do we do when we have loved ones or friends living in sexual sin? What do we do as Christians when sexual lines are blured in today’s culture? Great question!

I have close friends who have sexually impure relationships and they know my belief and standpoint. However, as a child of God I am called to live differently and LOVE them well. And, so are you.

Let me explain: I am called to LOVE, not judge. It is not my job to change their mind on sex or gender, but to LOVE them well. It is not my job to argue who’s right when I know God has the final say, but guess what is my job? To LOVE them well.

When I sin I imagine God saying, “Melissa, you did that thing again I told you not to and because you did now you’ll experience pain. The enemy wants you suffer, but you can choose not to do this thing any more! Trust me and my instruction, I want the best for you, but know that I love you so very much and I will not leave you. Come to me, child, I love you, you’re the apple of my eye.”

It would hurt so badly if God instead said, “Melissa, you did that thing again I told you not to. I’m done with you.” Yikes. Ouch. That cutes DEEP.

Until the end comes, and until His judgement is final, I want to love people the way He loves me as His child! There is STILL TIME to love people to Jesus. A friend of mine who thought she was a lesbian, and lived as such for over a decade, realized one day she could live differently if she wanted. She was curious about God. However, was scared, ashamed, and unsure. She knew my belief and asked me how she figured it all out. My advice? “Grab your Bible and read, He already loves you and He’s already there waiting with open arms.” Today she is happily married to her husband with a daughter. It’s not because of me, it’s because of God’s love. HIS LOVE IS SO HEALING!!!! And let’s not forget, we have HIS SPIRIT in us ready to pour out!

It’s true that cultural standards are forever changing when it comes to sex and gender, but shouldn’t we desire to show those who are outside the boundary lines a love that doesn’t shift, but instead one that is constant?

I still continue to pray for my friends who live in sexual sin, and that they may see the importance of boundaries, respect, and self-control in relationships and that the Holy Spirit will nudge their heart to pursue holiness in a society that often normalizes what God calls harmful. We cannot change people, but we can offer them the love of God, which we know can change even the most sinful of us all.

REFLECTION:

When you read through the list of prohibited sexual behaviors, is your first response judgment or humility? Why do you think that is?

Have you ever looked down on someone because of their sexual sin? What impact might that have had on how they saw Jesus through you?

Is there someone in your life who needs to experience the love of Christ through you—even if you don’t agree with their lifestyle? What might it look like to start loving them well this week?

Jesus often led with compassion before calling people to repentance. How might that model challenge the way you engage with people whose lives look different from yours?

PRAYER:

Lord,
Help me live set apart, not to feel superior, but to reflect Your love. Forgive me for judging others’ sins more harshly than my own.
Teach me to walk in truth with compassion, just like Jesus. Let my life be a witness of Your grace, not my pride.
Amen.