Regarding the use of Revelation 3:15-16 about being 'lukewarm,' I think it’s worth looking at the actual history of that scripture. In the ancient world, the city of Laodicea sat between Hierapolis, which had hot medicinal springs for healing, and Colossae, which had cold refreshing mountain water for drinking. Both hot and cold were good and useful. The problem with the water in Laodicea was that it was stagnant and lukewarm—it served no purpose and provided no benefit.
When we use this verse to say there is 'no middle ground' and that people must either follow a rigid hard-line or be 'vomited out,' we might be misapplying Jesus’ point. Someone wrestling to reconcile their faith with science or their own nature isn't being 'indifferent' or 'lukewarm.' In fact, that struggle is often a sign of deep spiritual heat.
The real danger of being lukewarm, as mentioned in the very next verse (Rev 3:17), is the pride of thinking we have it all figured out and 'do not need anything at all.'
If we hold so tightly to a 2,000-year-old mindset that we ignore the reality of how people are wired, we risk becoming spiritually stagnant. We might be the ones failing to provide the 'healing' or 'refreshing' environment that allows everyone to have a relationship with Jehovah. If we invite people to the door but then demand they change their DNA to stay, are we truly standing on Jehovah’s side of mercy, or are we just standing on the side of tradition?
You mentioned 1 John 3:6 regarding 'practicing sin,' but it’s helpful to look at the balance provided in the very first chapter of that same book. 1 John 1:8 says, 'If we make the statement, "We have no sin," we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us.' It seems the message isn't a demand for overnight perfection, but rather a focus on the direction of our hearts. If a person is sincerely reaching out to Jehovah while navigating how they were naturally wired, that is a personal journey of 'remaining in union' that others shouldn't be so quick to judge.
This leads to the idea that 'all sins are equal.' While that’s a common saying, the Bible repeatedly tells us to identify true faith by its 'fruit' (Matthew 7:16). If a couple is living a life full of love, joy, peace, and kindness, yet they are being judged by someone who is technically 'following the rules' but lacks compassion, which one is actually showing the fruit of the spirit?
I also took your advice and spent some time in the book of James. It really is full of wise advice, especially James 2:13: 'For he who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.'
In the end, I think we have to be careful not to build walls where Jehovah wants bridges. If we prioritize rigid rules over the 'mercy' that James highlights, we might be making it impossible for people to have the very relationship with Jehovah that we claim to be inviting them toward.
I appreciate your concern for mercy, compassion, and making people feel welcomed rather than condemned. Christians absolutely should not be cruel, mocking, gossiping, or self-righteous toward anyone struggling with sin. We all come to Jehovah as imperfect people needing mercy and help every day.
But mercy and approval are not the same thing.
I think the key issue is whether Scripture teaches that our natural desires define what is morally right, or whether Christians are expected to struggle against imperfect desires with the help of God’s spirit.
The Bible repeatedly describes a conflict between flesh and spirit. Galatians 5:17 says: “For the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh.” That conflict exists for all Christians in different ways. Some battle anger, greed, pride, addictions, immorality, or other desires deeply rooted in imperfect flesh. The existence of a strong desire does not automatically mean Jehovah approves acting on it.
Jesus showed compassion to sinners, yet he still said: “Go your way; from now on practice sin no more.” (John 8:11) He did not shame people, but neither did he redefine sin according to human feelings, psychology, or modern explanations about how people are “wired.”
You mention that attractions may remain throughout a person’s life. That may be true. But Christians are not promised that wrong desires will completely disappear in this system. Even Paul described an ongoing struggle with sin in Romans chapter 7. The Christian hope is not based on becoming desireless now, but on faithfully resisting what conflicts with God’s standards while relying on holy spirit.
The issue is not whether temptation exists. The issue is whether we justify the practice.
I agree Revelation 3:15-16 had a historical setting involving Laodicea’s water supply. But Jesus still used that illustration spiritually. The context was not about sincere people struggling with weakness; it was about spiritual compromise and self-satisfaction. A Christian can struggle and still remain faithful. But redefining what Jehovah calls sin is a different matter.
Acts 15 was about not imposing unnecessary burdens beyond what God required. But the same chapter also specifically instructed Christians to abstain from sexual immorality. So the apostles were not removing God’s moral standards; they were preventing man-made requirements from being added on top of them.
Jesus said his yoke is kindly and his load is light, not because discipleship requires no sacrifice, but because he helps us carry it. Jesus also plainly taught self-denial: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” Christians often must deny desires, ambitions, relationships, or lifestyles that feel natural to them.
You also mentioned “fruit.” Compassion is indeed fruitage of the spirit. But Bible love is not separated from truth or obedience. Jesus said: “If you love me, you will observe my commandments.” (John 14:15) A person can appear kind and loving while still practicing something Scripture identifies as sinful. Otherwise, moral standards become based mainly on human perception instead of God’s Word.
Mercy triumphs over judgment when we personally forgive, show patience, and help others draw close to God. But mercy never means telling people that repentance is unnecessary. James himself also wrote that friendship with the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4)
None of this means homosexuals are uniquely sinful or beyond hope. Christians should welcome anyone sincerely seeking Jehovah. But welcoming people and reassuring them that Jehovah has changed his standards are two different things.
The loving thing is not to condemn people harshly, but neither is it loving to reassure people that conduct Scripture consistently calls sin is now acceptable because modern society views it differently.
The Bible’s focus is not on condemning people for experiencing temptation. The focus is on whether we fight the flesh or justify it.
, for lack of a better word, different. Not literally the wiring, more like something messed up in hormones, honestly I don't know. But it is something beyond a choice as far as the attraction and desire is concerned. I don't have that desire so I can really speak to it but that's my understanding from second hand accounts. Acting on that desire is where the choice comes in. To agree with Jehovah or not.