Man Love

Dear Victorious,

Is it possible for one man to love another without being gay? My brother-in-law insists that men cannot truly love each other, because we were created to love women. I say that sexuality and love are two different things. Whose right here?

Norman P. - Tacoma, WA

Dear Norman,

You are. God-honoring expressions of our sexuality are the celebration of a committed relationship between a man and a woman. They are not the defining elements of true love. Similarly, true love outside of a committed relationship between a man and a woman are not defined by sexual expression.

It is possible ... and quite honoring of God, for men's hearts to be connected. God created men (and women) for spiritual and emotional intimacy. So to build those spiritual and emotional bonds with other men honors God and helps us live our purpose.

Ideally, healthy male-to-male relationships would start between a father and a son, or between brothers. But family ties aren't a requirement. Men can build intimate relationships with one another when they both are focused on Christ and He brings them together in Christian love.