1. What is same-sex attraction (SSA)?
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Key points:
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SSA stands for same-sex-attracted or same-sex attraction. It is, quite simply, attraction to members of the same sex. It can be experienced as physical attraction, emotional attraction, mental attraction, or a combination of these. Some SSA individuals may feel attracted to their same sex only along one of these dimensions, for example: physically attracted to the same sex but emotionally attracted to the opposite sex. Others may be attracted exclusively to their same sex. Still others may be attracted to their same sex or to the opposite sex—or even both—at different times in their lives.
From a Christian standpoint, SSA is best viewed as a kind of temptation. Any person who experiences SSA (or who wishes to support someone pastorally experiencing SSA) should keep this truth in proper perspective—as a temptation, SSA is neither more nor less serious than any other kind of temptation.
At the same time, no temptation is morally neutral, since the path from temptation to sin is a short one, and every sin—even the slightest sin—sets us against God.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." —Matthew 6: 13
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructed the apostles to pray not to fall into temptation:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
—Matthew 26: 41
Paul tells us that temptation does not lead to sin automatically, rather we can choose to yield to temptation or accept the "way of escape" God provides:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. —1 Corinthians 10: 13
For discussion:
Do you tend to view some sins as greater than others, and therefore some forms of temptation as more "serious" than others? What makes you feel this way?
Why do you think it is common for many Christians today to confuse temptation with sin?
