Someone told me that they knew a young man that was once gay and had aids, but God made him not gay anymore and made the aids go away.  I believe that he turned straight, but can God really make aids/HIV go away?  If so, why not other people?

Sincerely,
Perplexed

Dear Perplexed,

God can do anything, but He also says that He often lets us suffer the consequences of our choices as an example.  No one is forced to lead an actively homosexual lifestyle – we always have a choice.  If this young man chose to stop living a homosexual lifestyle, good for him… he is doing what the Bible says.
We can’t speak to this particular situation, but we can say this: homosexuality comes with consequences – including a much greater possibility of getting HIV.  Jude 1:7 says that Sodom & Gomorrah suffered the consequences of homosexuality, and Rom 1:27-28 says that all cultures that turn to homosexuality and away from the Bible will face consequences for those decisions.  The consequence of sin is one of many reasons to try and stop sinning.

     I have a friend whose husband recently asked her for a divorce.  She prayed that they would be reconciled, but he insisted on divorce.  Then she prayed that God would provide her the evidence that he cheated so that when they are divorced, she can remarry.  She now has evidence that he cheated, but I’m worried that doesn’t give her the right to remarry.  Isn't the put-away party never allowed to remarry unless the spouse dies?

Sincerely,
Friendly Concern

Dear Friendly Concern,

Your question is an important one and is one that many Christians wrestle with because of the high divorce rate in American society.  Adultery is wrong, and every divorce is caused because of sin.  God hates divorce (Mal 2:16), and His desire has always been for men and women to remain married for a lifetime (Matt 19:4-6), but it isn’t as simple as saying the put-away party can’t remarry – that isn’t biblically accurate.

Because of the complexities of this issue and because every circumstance is unique, we recommend that people with questions on this subject listen to the sermon series “Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage”, compare the sermons to Scripture, and then faithfully examine themselves to see whether they are living as God intended (Php 2:12).

Hi.  Is it possible for a couple with different religions to have a sound relationship?  And is this against God?  I really love my boyfriend, but he doesn't really have a strong faith in God, if he even believes in God.  Part of me feels like I should leave him, but the other part wants to stay.  What do I do?  Hope this doesn't sound too ridiculous.

Sincerely,
Confused In Love

Dear Confused In Love,

Our religious views dictate how we live our lives.  One’s belief in God (or lack of belief) effects their ethics, how they manage finances, how they raise children, how they treat their spouse, how much effort they will put into marriage (and when they will feel justified in getting a divorce), and a plethora of other aspects in life.  In short, your religious views guide the very essence of who you are.

God designed christians to only marry other people who are “in the Lord” (1 Cor 7:39).  A marriage to an unbeliever leaves you unequally yoked because you won’t be building your marriage off of equal vows (2 Cor 6:14).  You will make your vows before God, and he will merely make his vows before man.  We could never, ever recommend that a christian marry an unbeliever… it would simply set you up for heartache and failure.

     I am having issues with some people.  They are making me sin.  They are making me sin by making me use bad words.  What should I do?  Should I keep trying to get along or stay away from that person?

Sincerely,
Foul Friends

Dear Foul Friends,

No one can make you sin, but on the other hand, the wrong type of people can definitely lead to greater temptations.  1 Cor 15:33 says that bad company corrupts good morals.  If you feel that this person is that type of influence, then yes, it may be best to give some distance.

My problem is with a co-worker.  She always has some issue, and as a Christian, I do my best to help her, especially since she has told me she has re-dedicated her life to Christ.  The problem is, I have come to believe she is narcissistic.  I do feel for her and try to be positive and encourage her, but everyone who knows her is constantly on eggshells.  I work in a small office, and there is no way to try and avoid her when she is on her rampage.  I really need advice on what I should do.  Do I distance myself from her, or do I continue to believe that God will heal her?  I want to be there for her.  I know she had a terrible childhood, but she does upset me and honestly frightens me at times.

Sincerely,
Across The Hall

Dear Across The Hall,

Biblical love does what is in the best interest of someone else.  When we love others, we always give them what they need… even if what they need isn’t the same as what they want.  Love rejoices in the truth (1 Cor 13:6); that means that love does what is right, not what is easy.  When this co-worker “rampages”, it is easy to avoid the conflict like others have.  The hard thing to do is to kindly and honestly say, “This is unacceptable behavior, and we cannot build our friendship off of this foundation.”  Confronting someone is sometimes the right and loving thing to do.  Do it with dignity and tact.  If she really is placing her faith in Christ, she should be willing to alter her behavior to imitate Him (1 Cor 11:1).  Real friends wound, so others can heal (Pr 27:6).