How Do We Respond to Gay Relationships?
A Rainbow-Colored Warning Sign
In 2016, a Pew Research Center study found that 86% of surveyed Christians personally knew someone who identifies as gay or lesbian. Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in the number of Americans identifying with the LGBTQ+ community, rising from 5.6% to 7.1% and nearly doubling from a decade ago, according to a recent Gallup poll. Consequently, if a similar study were conducted today, it's highly likely that the percentage would be even higher than the original 86%. Almost everyone now knows someone personally who identifies as LGBTQ+. However, the question remains, do those who identify as LGBTQ+ have a Christian friend who knows how to respond to them with love and understanding? Unfortunately, my guess is that very few do.
As Christians, How Should We Respond to Gay Relationships?
The answer is with love and understanding. However, the question remains, what does this truly entail in the 21st century? Because we have been doing it wrong.
Affirmation from the World; Hurt from the Church
It's increasingly evident that the LGBT population in the United States is growing, with Pride parades gaining popularity each year, even among younger individuals. The question that arises is how we, as Christians, should respond. Do we simply let these changes happen, or is there room for our perspective?
Church hurt and negative reactions from some churches have likely contributed to the apparent increase in LGBTQ+ individuals. As I've discussed in previous posts, it's essential to understand that homosexuality and other identities are sinful within true Christian belief. It is considered an act of love to faithfully express this truth, despite how the world will respond.
When you look at social media, you can easily spot the widespread support and affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community, often seen in someone's pronouns, personal bio, and more. Notably, more individuals are publicly identifying as gay, bisexual, lesbian, and so on. This shift isn't primarily a result of corporate support but rather a reflection of societal influences, the challenge of living amidst a world affected by sin. It is essential to recognize that these individuals' feelings are authentic; however, it's important to understand that our feelings lead us astray.
The LGBT Movement is Rooted in Deception
Our souls inherently long for intimacy with God, yet our emotions can lead us astray, clouding our eyes. In this context, Satan's deception plays a significant role in making us believe we desire feelings contrary to God's design. Nonetheless, many, including myself, have managed to find our way out of this powerful deception. There is hope.
To combat the lies Satan whispers to the soul, we must resound the truths of the Spirit. However, it's crucial to understand that the way we "shout" these truths. It is not through waving banners, engaging with hateful words or humor, or displaying messages like "GAY PEOPLE WILL GO TO HELL" in big, red letters. Those examples are not and will never be loving (I unfortunately was the recipient of each of them).
These actions are alienating and counterproductive, and this is coming from a fellow Christian who now appreciates the genuine love within the Church.
So, how do we offer loving support to individuals, recognizing that they are made in the image of God and that Jesus died for them?
A Made-up Scenario with Real-Life Application
You have two close friends, Chris and Philip, whose friendship blossomed over the course of a year. Unexpectedly, you discover that the relationship you witnessed developing between them was concealed by hidden feelings. It later becomes apparent that they've been dating secretly. This revelation comes as a shock, and you find yourself at a loss, uncertain of how to react. You consider that it might blow over, hoping they will "return to their senses," but that day never arrives. They are now engaged, and their engagement announcement on Instagram is filled with well-wishes and praise from people (some even Christians), many of whom you've never even heard of. Your heart aches as you come to terms with the fact that they've been leading a life shrouded in secrecy, unbeknownst even to their close friend. This leaves you faced with a challenging decision: how should you respond?
While this situation is presented as hypothetical, it mirrors real-life occurrences that I've witnessed repeatedly. It often begins with someone "coming out," which can be a jolting revelation for their family. They may subsequently enter into a homosexual relationship and fully embrace this lifestyle, possibly culminating in marriage. Though I wish this were a more straightforward issue, it raises complex questions for Christians, who are tasked with fighting sin and glorifying God. This brings to mind Proverbs 27:12, which advises, "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."
So, how can we anticipate potential challenges and take appropriate measures to prepare.
With that, how should Christians respond to gay relationships?
Four Steps to Truly Love the LGBT Community
1. Preserve Your Relationship:
- Assuming that you genuinely care about the person in question, consider the nature of your relationship. If it's a deep and meaningful connection, you don't need to compare your response to how others are reacting. Silence can sometimes convey your love more powerfully than a comment. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions.
2. Show You Still Care:
- One of the significant challenges in this new phase of your relationship is the doubt that Satan plants. Remember that Satan desires to lead people away from God. He may sow the seed that "Christians will and do hate you." Counter this falsehood with genuine love. Jesus was a friend to sinners, even when mistreated. His sacrificial love demonstrates the depth of His care. Show your care by reaching out, asking how they are personally, not just in terms of their relationship. Inquire about their stress, feelings of isolation, and offer to pray for them. This demonstrates your love and counters Satan's lies.
3. Pray for Them:
- If you believe that only the Holy Spirit can call a prodigal back, prioritize prayer over human conversations. The Spirit's power is profound, and fervent prayer is impactful. Have faith that they can be restored in Christ, despite Satan's attempts to convince you otherwise. John 16:23-24 underscores the importance of prayer. Be persistent and unwavering in your prayers for their return to faith.
4. Pray for Yourself:
- Seek God's guidance on how to respond. Remember that you are called to love. John 15:12 instructs us to love as Jesus loved us. Pray for insight into what it means to lay down your life for them. Have faith that God will reveal the path you should follow in responding to this situation. Ask Him to show you the way to express your love and care.
Love: A Double-Edged Sword
As for the hypothetical scenario involving Chris and Philip, it serves as a reminder of the complexity and nuance of human relationships. I must highlight the importance of preserving relationships, showing love, and engaging in prayer, both for others and ourselves. These principles apply not only to situations involving LGBTQ+ individuals but to all aspects of our interactions with others. Love and understanding should always guide our responses. Let love be the double-edged sword we use to fight Satan’s lies: by word and action.
It's essential to remember that the revival and renewal we pray for come from the Holy Spirit, dwelling within each believer. What if our words were infused with love, serving as a conduit for the Spirit to move? Love, rooted in genuine care, can bring conviction and transformation. Imagine the potential if the largest LGBT community experienced a radical encounter with God. What joy to be had!
What if that encounter began with you?
What if God was calling you to lay down your life in service to the LGBT community?
Prepare yourself. Be open to the Holy Spirit using you as an instrument of love, understanding, and transformation. Place yourself in situations where you can make a positive impact.
I challenge you to share this with three people.
Let's start a dialogue in our homes, community, and world!
How Do We Respond?
We Respond With Prayer and Love
Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality?
Do you have your own testimony to share?
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