Except one lives in a hole in the United States, it is impossible not to come across the LGBTQ flag or colors, particularly in June. While LGBTQ issues may be uncomfortable for many Christians to discuss, we must address it because Jesus was willing to address uncomfortable issues, and He modeled how we can respond to LGBTQ issues.
Yesterday, I read a dissertation’s abstract on the confusion, pain, and isolation Christian families face when their child COMES OUT. So, I am here today to address this issue for the sake of Christian parents and their children.
How should Christians respond to individuals with gender and sexuality issues? Journey with me as I briefly shares lessons from Jesus’ interaction with a woman caught in adultery and how Jesus’ response serves as a model for us to emulate.
I remember being attracted to both males and females before my teenage years, continuing into adulthood. My friend, now husband, was a safe place for me to share my feelings and ask for prayers. I was not concerned that he would begin to treat me differently or lose interest in our relationship because he created a safe haven for me to share my feelings and struggles.
Let’s read John 8:7-11(NLT), where Jesus also created a safe haven for the woman caught in adultery:
“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
Jesus saved the woman caught in adultery from those who wanted to harm her. This made her feel safe with Him. After that, He spoke truth into her life.
Many Christian children and adults would like to open up to us about their battles with sexuality or lust. If we do not present ourselves as a safe haven for vulnerability and love, we will lose precious souls. These individuals will seek safety in the wrong places. If we get angry and speak ungracious words when discussing LGBTQ issues, we have partnered with the enemy by making it difficult for LGBTQ friends, children, relatives, or Christians to share their pain with us.
James 5:16 (NIV) says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
There will be no room for healing or effective and powerful prayer when there is no safe haven for confession.
When people confess their sins to us, we must pray for them, love them, and only affirm God’s Word concerning their lives.
I pray that compassion will fill your heart and God will give you the wisdom to speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).
Let’s make it easy for someone to confess their sins to us.
When the woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, He handled the issue with grace, love, and truth because the woman’s soul was of utmost importance.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV) says:
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Like every other sin listed in that scripture, being stoned to death or condemned for adultery without an opportunity to repent would have made it impossible for the woman to inherit the Kingdom of God. Jesus was not willing for her to perish but to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Consequently, Jesus’ first strategy or response was not to condemn her. Instead, Jesus protected her from those who wanted to kill her. Then, He addressed her sin.
John 8:7-11(NLT) says, “They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
When Jesus said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”, He was asking the teachers of the law and the Pharisees to be gracious or merciful towards the woman caught in adultery. He presented God’s grace then truth- “Go and sin no more” I believe this is the same way God wants us to address anyone struggling with sexual sin.
If we respond with hate or condemn individuals who COME OUT to us, we have neglected their souls and given them over to those who do not care about their repentance or restoration.
When we stay conscious of God’s saving grace and mercy towards us, we would easily respond with compassion instead of condemning people when they COME OUT to us. When we respond with grace, the truth will find a place to rest in their heart, and it has the power to set anyone free.
John 8:32 (KJV) says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
If we do not embrace those in the LGBTQ community with grace and compassion, we would deny them the opportunity to KNOW the truth- an encounter with the truth that sets one free from the power of sin.
If we affirm sin, we do not understand the true meaning of grace and compassion.
Today, take a moment and pray for someone struggling with sexual immorality or any of the sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
PS: For more Christian views on LGBTQ and Parenting, visit https://www.moralrevolution.com/lgbtq-ssa/
Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.
Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen
Welcome to God’s family!
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We must be approachable, speak in love and pray for anyone who needs Jesus, well said Temi!💕
We need to show the love of Jesus to all. We have been forgiven much, we need to extend this same grace to others
So important to be a safe place for people to come to and be approachable
Amen Temi!! What great words of wisdom and perfect scripture to teach into this lesson! Love what you said here, “When we respond with grace, the truth will find a place to rest in their heart, and it has the power to set anyone free.”
Such truth and who hasn’t struggled with sin of some sort or another..we must despise the sin but love the sinner regardless of the category.
Thank you for sharing this necessary message. May we all learn to show grace.