Homo what? There’s an odd term. Homosociality means “same-sex relationships that are not of a romantic or sexual nature, such as friendship, mentorship, or others.” Think about your best friends, teachers, and coaches—some of these are powerful, intense relationships with members of the same sex. But they are not sexual, merely “social.” Thus, “homosocial.”
The Bible includes several intense “homosocial” relationships: Jesus and His disciples, for example. These 13 men traveled the road together for three years, in the sun, wind, and storms, plodding along in the sand, sailing on the sea, eating over camp fires, sleeping under the stars, and talking about everything under the sun. Jesus poured His life into these men. He shared secrets with them. He loved them.
Another intense homosocial relationship exists between David and Jonathan. These two men loved each other and were not afraid to say so.
“The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself…. Jonathan made a covenant with David, and stripped himself of his robe and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and belt.” 1 Samuel 18:1-5.
Later, the two men realized they had to part because Jonathan’s father Saul was trying to kill David. “David and Jonathan kissed each other and wept, though David wept more” I Sam. 20:41. They never saw each other again. When Jonathan was killed, David lamented:
“How the mighty have fallen! I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were such a friend to me. Your love for me was greater than the love of women.” 2 Sam. 1:26. (These are strong words, but it is clear that even with—or because of—his 700 wives, David does not seem to have had any good relationships with women.)
The Bible supports the truth—you can have strong, intense relationships with friends of the same sex. Pray—ask God for wisdom about those relationships.
“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there are some friends who stick closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.
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