Is it a sin for a man to be effeminate?


Being Effeminate and Sin

The word effeminate comes from the Greek word “malako” which means “soft of nature,” “delicate,” or “tender.” An effeminate person may have female qualities untypical of a man. He may or may not be sexually active. Some may oppose masculinity and may choose to become transgender and change their sex to fulfill the role of the opposite gender.

Genesis 1:27,31 says, “And God created man in His image, in His likeness; male and female He created them….and it was very good.” God’s intent is heterosexuality, with definite boundaries between men and women in both appearance and role (Genesis 5:2). Hence, to change one’s identity is to be outside of God’s plan and will for mankind.

In the Mosaic Law, it was forbidden to wear the other sexes clothes: “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 22:5). God ordained that the distinction between male and female should be honored and obeyed. The desire to minimize this distinction grows from ungodly ideals. Maleness and femaleness are God’s choice, determined at conception. God’s plan is for every male is to grow into masculinity, and for every female to grow into femininity. Departing from this is to depart from God, which may eventually lead into sin.

The word effeminate appears in 1 Corinthians 6:9, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.”

While the Lord permits people to follow their own desires, He can not protect them from the natural consequences of their desires. “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman …receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-27).

But there is good news for those who are struggling with being effeminate, the Lord offers the promise of a new heart and new desires as they move towards becoming holy, like Him (Ephesians 4:23, 24). There is nothing impossible for the believer through God’s grace (Philippians 4:13). The Lord is ever ready to heal and restore every seeker into His image, all the believer has to do is: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team

Categories Law

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