Making a loved one or dear friend who has given him or herself over to sin makes them feel that they are being judged and resolves nothing. Yes, sin is sin. We condemn and hate the sin, but we must be loving to the sinner. Loving, but not enabling. Loving, but not condoning. It is Satan who must be cast out, not the one whom he has ensnared. One thing that the demons cannot endure is love.

Hate the sin. Love the sinner.

If this individual is someone in the Church, then certainly her parish priest must be made aware that she is living in a situation that is sinful and harmful to her soul. Persisting in such a sin cuts one off from the Holy Sacraments. If this person is Orthodox or has any belief at all in God, then she should know that such a sinful union will have eternal consequences. Again, this is something best addressed by the priest. You must be careful that you do not drive her even further away from the Church. God is forgiving, but we need to recognize and confess our sins to ask for that forgiveness.

Hate the sin. Love the sinner.

If this living situation concerns someone who is not in the Church, addressing it becomes more difficult. Why? Because our modem, pluralistic society not only condones sexual relationships outside of marriage, but it seems to encourage it. Since the same can be said regarding homosexuality, our answer to your question can also apply to those with friends engaged in such relationships.

Hate the sin. Love the sinner.

Do not put yourself in situations that appear to accept any kind of sinful relationship. Be a friend to this person. You have already told her that what she is doing is wrong and sinful, and will have painful consequences both in this life and especially in eternal life. It is not a question of someone approving or disapproving of her actions. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Visiting with this friend, spending time with her, doing things with her are all ways of showing love to her. But do not confuse, nor let her confuse, love with acceptance. Certainly, do not allow her to spend the night at your home with her “partner”. Do not stay in their home or go on any overnight trips with them together….

It will be clear if/when the time comes that she is ready to accept what you have to tell her. If you turn away from her now, who will she have when the relationship ends?

 – Dormition Edition of ‘The Veil’, 2021