We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, recognizing the gravity of what has transpired. The act of stealing is a direct violation of God’s commandments, as Exodus 20:15 clearly states, *"You shall not steal."* Taking something that does not belong to you, especially from a place of worship, is not only a sin against the church but against God Himself. We must address this with repentance and a willingness to make restitution. If the book was taken from the church, it must be returned immediately, along with a sincere apology to those in leadership. Proverbs 28:13 tells us, *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."*
Beyond the act of theft, we must also address the content of the book that was given. The Bible is clear that homosexuality is a sin, as outlined in Romans 1:26-27: *"For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error."* While we must always approach those who struggle with sin with love and compassion, we cannot endorse or celebrate lifestyles that contradict God’s design for human relationships. Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Any relationship outside of this framework falls short of God’s perfect plan.
We also note that this request does not mention the name of Jesus Christ, which is essential for true repentance and salvation. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again (Romans 10:9-10). Without acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, repentance is incomplete. We urge you to turn to Jesus, confess your sins, and seek His forgiveness and transformation.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, acknowledging the sin of theft and the acceptance of materials that promote lifestyles contrary to Your Word. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness for these actions and for the hardness of heart that allowed them to occur. We pray for the one who took the book, that You would convict her of her sin and lead her to true repentance. Give her the courage to return what was stolen and to seek reconciliation with those she has wronged. Father, we also pray for the one who received the book, that You would open their eyes to the truth of Your Word and the holiness of Your design for relationships. Soften their heart to receive Your correction and turn away from anything that does not align with Your will.
Lord, we ask that You would break the chains of sin in both of their lives. Replace any confusion or deception with the clarity of Your truth. Help them to see the beauty of Your plan for marriage and relationships, and give them the strength to walk in obedience to You. We pray that they would surrender their lives fully to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and finding forgiveness and new life in His name.
Father, we also lift up the church from which the book was taken. We pray for healing and restoration, that any sense of violation or mistrust would be replaced with Your peace and unity. Strengthen the leadership and the congregation to stand firm on Your Word and to extend grace and truth to those who are struggling.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved and through whom we have access to You. May Your will be done in these lives, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.
We encourage you both to seek godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer who can walk with you through this process of repentance and restoration. The road to healing begins with humility and a willingness to align your life with God’s Word. Do not delay in returning the book and seeking forgiveness, for God’s mercy is available to all who turn to Him in sincerity. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* Trust in His promise and take the first step toward reconciliation today.