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Welcome to Pride Month 2024. Almost overnight, shop windows were filled with arrays of color, profile pictures changed, and people fill the streets all across the country. Why I'm Not a Fan of Pride At this point, it's no secret where I stand on Pride Month. I'm not a fan, but perhaps not for the reasons you might think. We are all called to mortify sin and cast away anything that distances us from God. Jesus teaches us to “cut off our hands” if they cause us to stumble into sin. Yet, during June, Christians often use “uncut hands” to point a condemning finger at the LGBT community, as if they were wicked sinners, too far from the Lord to be saved. How Should We Respond to Pride? First, let's remember that we all sin and fall short of God's glory, in need of His grace every day. Second, the LGBT community is not our enemy. This is a spiritual war, and our LGBT brothers and sisters are losing the battle. Instead of shaking our fingers, we should wield the Sword of the Spirit and remind everyone that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). I Was Hurt By Christians Five years ago, I found myself at the center of a "gay protest". As a club volleyball player, a sport unfairly labeled as "gay" by some of my high school classmates, I was already a target for bullying. So, the year had reached a painful climax when a group of 100 Christians gathered, waving signs depicting flames, hurling gay slurs, and calling me to repentance. What hypocrites! In that moment, part of my soul withered, and my heart began to harden. While I didn't explicitly reject Christianity, the sight of men shaking Bibles, shouting, and rocking our bus pushed me to make a decision. I queued up Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and, as we drove away, I stood up and sung in defiance:   I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no mistakes I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way   That moment of defiant pride did not lead me on the “right track”, but with the protesters' shouts dulled by the music, I embraced one of Satan's most insidious lies: "Micah, you were born this way." Believing I was "born this way" made it easier to sin, so I accepted it without much resistance. However, when I was alone, the memory of those shaking signs and calls to repentance would resurface, burning in my mind and making me question: Was I really born this way?   Nature vs Nurture This conversation often boils down to the debate of nature versus nurture: is same-sex attraction something inherent (a "gay gene") or is it shaped by cultural and environmental factors?   We may never have a definitive answer, and ultimately, it may not matter. What truly matters is our response to same-sex attractions, whether we believe they are innate or influenced by our surroundings. Instead of denying their existence or trying to mask them, the response should be one of surrender. An authentic submission to Christ means acknowledging Him as Lord, even over our feelings and attractions.   Satan's Whispers I believe that God did not create people to be same-sex attracted; rather, same-sex attraction is a result of original sin, a distortion of God's design. Though I cannot be certain, I have personally felt Satan's whispers, asking me, "Did God actually say...?" much like he did with Eve. Satan's blatant lies and subtle distortions of God's words almost lead to destruction.   Living in Complete Surrender By denying ourselves and surrendering our attractions and feelings to Christ, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His design, despite the temptations and lies that may come our way. Sam Allberry describes this denial of self as “saying ‘no’ to your deepest sense of who you are, for the sake of Christ.”   This may feel unfair, and I think that is totally natural. I've often heard people say that telling someone to give up their same-sex attractions is equivalent to telling them they'll never be able to experience love—that they'd have to sacrifice everything meaningful to follow Christ. Sam Allberry addresses this claim in his book, Is God Anti-Gay? :   " The fact is that the gospel demands everything of all of us . If someone thinks the gospel has somehow slotted into their life quite easily, without causing any major adjustments to their lifestyle or aspirations, it is likely that they have not really started following Jesus at all ."   Who Have You Surrendered To? Consider this warning: if you have coddled the LGBT community through acceptance, allowing them to remain in lives of sin without calling for repentance because “everyone should be able to experience sexual love,” have you personally surrendered everything to Christ? Or is the Jesus you know different from the Jesus of the Bible?   True surrender to Christ involves giving up our deepest desires and attractions, trusting that His plan and His love are greater than anything we might have to sacrifice. This isn't easy, and it often feels unfair, but the gospel requires us to lay down our lives, our identities, and our deepest inclinations at the feet of Jesus, trusting in His perfect design and sovereignty, regardless of whether we were born this way or made this way.   His love is perfect and in no need of our modification. If only someone reached out and told me this five years ago. Quote from the Community “It’s the same for all of us . We must find victory over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit and the growing desire to live our lives for Christ, finding the highest pleasure in life through Him and only Him.” -Caleb Rowles How Do We Respond? We Respond With Humility and Surrender Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality? Do you have your own testimony to share? If you found this post helpful and would like to support the creation of more resources like this, I invite you to contribute. Your generosity helps me continue to provide practical guidance and encouragement for those navigating challenging life situations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can foster a community of love, support, and growth. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

I didn’t initially plan to write this post. My original intention was to discuss our response to receiving an invitation to a gay wedding. This idea was sparked by a post from the Freedom Center at Liberty University. In their typical man-on-the-street interviews, students were asked, "Should Christians attend a gay wedding?" Although I want to believe many students offered thoughtful, loving, and practical answers, these responses weren't shown in the video. Instead, we find people using biblical truths to tell the camera that “if you can attend a gay wedding and be perfectly okay with yourself, there is something wrong.” That response fueled my passion because comments like those disunify Christians. We are called to be holy, kind, humble, meek, patient, bearing with one another, and forgiving. But above all these, we are to be loving, which binds everything together and allows us to live in harmony (cf. Colossians 3:12-14).   To respond to this question with wisdom, we must return to the Bible for context and truth. To discuss how we should respond to an invitation to a gay wedding, we need to examine the concept of gay marriage. What does marriage signify in the Bible? What was God's design for marriage? Is marriage the only option for fulfilling our relational needs? This post aims to build a strong theological foundation rooted in scripture to properly frame our understanding and response to attending a gay wedding. Let's dive in.     What Was God’s Design for Marriage? Adam was alone in the garden, naming animals, cultivating the land, and basking in the presence of God. However, God decided that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). To create Eve, a suitable and complementary partner for Adam, God took a rib from Adam. From his flesh and bone, a woman was formed by God. Genesis 2:24 explains what this means for humanity: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This relationship, called marriage, is a reuniting of bodies and souls that complement one another through an unending covenant designed to bring glory to God. A groom and his bride enter apart but leave as one. At the time of Jesus, the men of Israel had a very liberal view of marriage, divorcing their wives at the slightest discontentment with their behavior. Jesus restates the biblical truth of God’s design in Mark 10:6-8, highlighting that marriage is not something to be done lightly, for during the marriage covenant, two are made one. To divorce is not to separate two people, but to rip a single entity, body and soul, into two broken people.   Through a marriage, a sexual union is formed, designed in part to bring children into the world who are to be raised under the discipline and instruction of the Lord (cf. Ephesians 6:4). Through unique roles designated to both the man and the woman, the family can thrive, going forth and making God’s name known throughout the world.   What Does Marriage Signify? God’s design for marriage was not just “so people who love each other can have sex and cohabitate”; it was to be a picture of His own union with the people He calls His own—every one of us. Through marriage, God explains His commitment and love for His people. However, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing through the rest of humanity, we all rebelled and were overcome with sin. Throughout the Old Testament, we see a story of God beckoning an unfaithful people to Himself—a people who repeatedly turned away from Him. Despite this rebellion, the Lord’s plan to ultimately reunite man with Himself remained unwavering, culminating in the New Testament with the pronouncement of the birth of the Messiah. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus Christ lovingly and sacrificially chose the Church to be His bride (cf. Ephesians 5:25-27). As Christians, members of God’s Church, we anticipate being reunited with Christ in an official “wedding ceremony” that will confirm our eternal union with Him.   What If I Am Single? The beautiful thing about this—and perhaps it’s a blessing since I remain a single man—is that you don’t need to be married to be Christ’s bride. Marriage represents God’s relationship with His people, but it is not the only way to have a relationship with Him—that is achieved through repentance and confessing that Jesus is the Lord over your life.   It has often been said to me that “your singleness is a gift,” almost as if to console me with the thought that “it will eventually get better.” Interestingly, this advice often comes from older married couples, those dating, or people trying to convince me to “live my truth” and give into sinful sexual desires. However, when Paul writes that singleness is a gift, he concludes by stating that he is saying this for our own benefit, not simply placing restrictions on us (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:29-40). He wanted us to do whatever will help us serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.   As a single man, I can serve the Lord without the added responsibilities of serving a wife. If God calls me to the mission field, I can go. If I need to travel, I can. If I feel led to evangelize on my way home from work, there is no second thought in my mind. To be single is to be free—free to spend all my time doing the Lord’s work and focusing on how to please Him. Singleness allows us to orient our gaze on Christ and our future union with Him as His bride, rather than being preoccupied with the temporary things of this world.   What about Gay Marriage? God’s design for marriage, as illustrated in the Bible, is rooted in the creation of man and woman. It is meant to be a sacred bond where a man and woman become one flesh, complementing each other in a unique and divine way. Marriage, in this biblical context, is not just a social or legal contract, but a profound spiritual union that mirrors Christ’s relationship with the Church.   Although gay marriage is legal in the United States and other countries around the world, it cannot and will never align with this biblical framework. It does not represent the complementary nature of man and woman as intended by God nor the union of two designed to embody each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually with the harmony that God envisioned. Same-sex marriages deviate from God’s design, much like sin is a deviation from man’s perfect state. Same-sex marriage, therefore, represents a form of rebellion against God’s ordained structure for human relationships.   How Should We View Same-Sex Relationships? In Christian apologetics, we work to find the good, true, and beautiful in everything since God creates things as such.  Same-sex relationships can possess elements of goodness and beauty. They can often exhibit deep caring, commitment, and mutual support. Partners in these relationships may show profound love and dedication to one another, reflecting virtues such as kindness, fidelity, and sacrificial love. However, while same-sex relationships can embody these good and beautiful elements, they can’t align with the biblical. Even with good and beautiful elements, same-sex marriage and relationships will always be against God’s design. Same-sex attraction (SSA) is not from God since he is the author of peace, not confusion (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, advocating for gay marriage within the church is to align with the voice of the devil, echoing the question, "Did God really say that?"   How Should We Respond to Gay Marriage? We need to be both loving and truthful. Although I shared my frustration in the beginning how Liberty, the largest Christian school in the world, can still deliver truth with hate, creating unnecessary divison within the church and condemneing those with SSA, I believe that in time, we will all grow in how we respond.   Given all of the biblical truth written in this post, we have now created the foundation in which we can answer how we respond to an invitation to a gay wedding. Until then, be the hands and feet of Jesus.     How Do We Respond? We Respond With Compassion Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality? Do you have your own testimony to share? If you found this post helpful and would like to support the creation of more resources like this, I invite you to contribute. Your generosity helps me continue to provide practical guidance and encouragement for those navigating challenging life situations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can foster a community of love, support, and growth. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

I've been wanting to talk about this topic for a while, but now that we have discussed some of the theology behind God’s design for marriage , we can properly address how we respond to a wedding invitation for a gay marriage.   The Christian Life As Christians, we should live lives where our every action points people towards Christ. This can be done as a teacher to your students, at work with your coworkers, and at home with your neighbors. Our goal should be to have everyone in our sphere of influence confess that Jesus is Lord, but it starts with being the light of Jesus today. A light that, even when surrounded by thick darkness, continues to glimmer and shine, revealing the love of God to all—the lost, the hurting, the same-sex attracted, and the addict.   It's through this lens that I want to talk about how we respond to an invitation to a gay wedding. Since our conduct should point everyone to Christ, our response to this invitation is crucial. If we are not careful, our response can be twisted by the enemy, making our loved ones feel condemned and unloved by the very people called to love them.   The Scenario As we mentioned the other day, if you are receiving an invite to a wedding, you are a close friend or family member. Let’s use a real-life example to illustrate this. My friend, let’s name her Becca, has two friends, Sydney and Karly, who recently got engaged. This relationship was a shock to many.   Months later, after an engagement photo shoot as many couples do, my friend Becca received an envelope in the mail. Adorned with fancy stamps, handwritten cursive, and a wax seal was a brutal awakening—she had just received an invitation to the wedding of her two friends. How should she respond?     How to Accept an Invitation Over the past week, many people have reached out to me with personal situations, both past and present, requiring them to decide about attending a gay wedding. The biggest fear for someone leaning toward accepting an invitation is that the couple will take their presence as a Christian as "blanket affirmation" for their relationship, which the Bible deems sinful ( read this post on God’s design for marriage if you haven’t ) . If you have that fear, ask yourselves these two questions: Does the couple know that I am a Christian? Does the couple know what my Christian beliefs on sexuality are?   If you can answer yes to both questions, I believe you may attend the wedding. Your presence does not condone sinful behavior but instead shows your love and appreciation for the friendship you have built with either one or both individuals in the couple. Your presence may shine the very light of Jesus, who extended an invitation and open hand to us, even in our darkest hour.   However, if you are unsure, this is a great opportunity to have a conversation with the couple. Either by text message, RSVP, or preferably a face-to-face conversation, share any hesitancies. Remind the couple of your unconditional love for them, but graciously share your belief on sexuality and sin and the God who saves us from it. If the couple responds eagerly for you to still attend, attend. But if this puts them off, respond with grace. You cannot control their response, but at least now, there is complete clarity in what you stand for and believe.   As a Christian, attending a wedding where the couple doesn’t know you are a Christian and doesn’t know your beliefs sets up the gospel message and the doctrine of sin to be twisted by the enemy, potentially pushing your loved one further from Christ.   Before the wedding, pray for the Spirit to move in the lives of those getting legally married, pray that you remain obedient to the Lord, and pray that you will be available for any Gospel conversations with any of the wedding attendees if the Lord prompts you.   How to Decline an Invitation Another common response I received this week was the fear that by not attending the wedding, the couple will perceive the absence as condemnation and hate. This is a very honest and real fear. However, I believe the fear of rejection runs deeper than just fearing the couple cutting you out of their life. If we are honest, many of us feel responsible for the salvation of those around us. In this situation, if the couple cuts us off, who will share the love of Christ and the gospel with them? When we put the weight of salvation on our shoulders rather than on the Spirit of the living God, rejection becomes an insurmountable burden. However, we are to expect rejection! As followers of Jesus, we should expect what He received. Acts 4:11-12 says, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” If we are striving to become more like Jesus, we should grow to expect rejection and simply remain witnesses through it all.   That doesn’t mean we should hide our convictions. We are called to respond. If you feel that by attending a gay wedding you are denying the truth given by the God of the universe, you should not attend. Hold fast to your convictions, but feel free to explain them. Just as before, this is a great opportunity to have a conversation with the couple. Either by text message, RSVP, or preferably a face-to-face conversation, share any hesitancies. Remind the couple of your unconditional love for them, but graciously share your belief on sexuality and sin and the God who saves us from it.   Before this conversation, ask yourself these questions: Does your life reflect one that heeds the commands and truths of Scripture? Do you think that your sin is "less severe" than others' sins? Heading into this conversation with pride is like a bull charging into a china shop; you will damage the preciousness that lies within. If you are telling this couple that the Bible is why you aren’t attending the wedding, but you are living a life full of evident unrepentant sin, they will practically breathe in your hypocrisy. Remember that all sin is contrary to God’s design; before addressing someone else's, make sure you are addressing your own.   Before the conversation, pray for the Spirit to move in the lives of your friends. Pray that you remain obedient to the Lord and your God-given convictions. Pray that you will be available and ready for a Gospel conversation, and lead with your own humility.   How Do We Respond? In conclusion, navigating the decision of whether to attend a gay wedding as a Christian requires careful consideration and prayer. It is crucial to approach this situation with a heart full of love, humility, and a steadfast commitment to your faith. If you decide to attend, ensure that your presence reflects the love of Christ and does not imply a blanket affirmation of actions contrary to biblical teachings. If you choose to decline, communicate your reasons with grace and compassion, making it clear that your decision stems from deeply held beliefs rather than condemnation. Remember, your ultimate goal is to reflect Christ’s love and truth in every interaction. By remaining prayerful, humble, and obedient to God’s guidance, you can navigate these challenging situations in a way that honors Him and maintains the integrity of your relationships. Trust that God will use your actions, whether attending or not, to further His purposes and shine His light.   How Do We Respond? We Respond With Clarity and Humility Do you wonder if you should attend the wedding YOU were invited to? Do you have your own testimony to share? Any other questions? If you found this post helpful and would like to support the creation of more resources like this, I invite you to contribute. Your generosity helps me continue to provide practical guidance and encouragement for those navigating challenging life situations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can foster a community of love, support, and growth. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

Lily's story is one of thoughtful contemplation, deep love, and steadfast faith. She faced a challenging situation, one that many Christians grapple with: how to respond to a wedding invitation that contradicts their biblical beliefs about marriage. Gay Wedding on the Horizon Lily's cousin had once asked her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding to a man. However, she called off the engagement, having realized she was a lesbian, and began dating a woman. As talk of elopement or a future wedding with her new partner surfaced, Lily knew she needed to prepare herself for the possibility of being asked to participate in her cousin's wedding. The Complexity of the Decision Two weeks ago, I polled around 100 people on the question, "Should Christians attend a gay wedding?" The responses were nearly evenly split among yes, no, and it depends. Lily chose the phrase "it depends." While messaging back and forth, Lily explained that a simple yes or no doesn't capture the complexity of her decision-making process. The Bible, Lily recounted, describes marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman before God. Throughout Scripture, God uses the imagery of marriage to depict His love for us, likening it to the relationship between Christ and the Church. This profound symbolism only deepens the sanctity of marriage in God's eyes. Lily's interpretation of Scripture is the lens through which she viewed the prospect of her cousin's same-sex wedding. Seeking Discernment As she pondered her cousin's potential invitation, Lily dove into her own beliefs, consulted scripture, and prayed for discernment. She concluded that she could not attend or be part of a same-sex marriage. To her, attending such a wedding would mean acting as a witness to a covenant that, in her view, was not in accordance with God's design. Communicating with Love But for Lily, it wasn't just about the decision itself—it was about how she would communicate it. She knew the conversation had to be rooted in love, not judgment or condemnation. Through her preparation, Lily was ready to tell her cousin that she would always love her, not because of her actions, but for who she is as God's daughter. Lily planned to explain that her choice to not attend the wedding was not taken lightly and was based solely on her Christian beliefs. She also intended to share her own struggles with sin, emphasizing that all sins are equal in deserving God's wrath but also in receiving His grace. Trusting God's Plan Lily was ready to have this difficult conversation without knowing how her cousin would react. She understood that her role in her cousin's life was part of God's plan, not hers. If her cousin became angry and distanced herself, Lily would find peace in knowing she had approached the situation with love. She prayed that the Lord would use her love as a testament to His own and that it might be the seed planted for someone else to water. That day, Lily decided she couldn't live her life under the weight of pending acceptance or rejection; the Bible tells Christians they will face rejection, and she chose to trust the Lord with her relationship with her cousin. A Wonderful Outcome In the end, God worked in wonderful ways. By loving her cousin through her journey of homosexuality, Lily remained a trusted confidant. After a few years, her cousin realized she wasn't living the life she wanted. She broke off the relationship with her girlfriend and has since gotten engaged to a man. Together, they are expecting a baby. Although her cousin has just begun this new chapter, Lily was the first person she told about the new relationship and pregnancy. Hopeful for the Future Lily recognizes that while her cousin still has room to grow in her relationship with Jesus and in surrendering her life to Him, she remains hopeful, ever-trusting in the Lord's plan for both of their lives. How Do We Respond? We Respond With Love  and Conviction Lily's story is a powerful example of how love and conviction can coexist, and how trusting in God's plan can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes. After reading this, if you feel inspired to share your story (which is really God's story), please send it to me. I can write a post similar to this one! I strongly believe in the power of honest conversations through personal testimonies like Alex's and the lives of loved ones like Liv's cousin. God is at work; let's discuss it! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out below or through the chat feature on your screen! If you found this post helpful and would like to support the creation of more resources like this, I invite you to contribute. Your generosity helps me continue to provide practical guidance and encouragement for those navigating challenging life situations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can foster a community of love, support, and growth. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

Before I dive headfirst into this blog post, it's important to preface that the Bible doesn't explicitly address pronouns. Pronouns have always existed; your middle school English class should have taught you that. However, the usage of pronouns as labels and titles didn't become a prominent discussion until more recently. For me, my first exposure to the idea of pronouns came during my sophomore year of high school in 2019. In 2020, I was asked to fill out a form indicating my pronouns in my choir class. As someone who was closeted and identified with the LGBT community at the time, I admired the inclusivity. It affirmed the idea that what I think of myself may not align with what the world thinks. Times have changed, and I've changed drastically along with them. Instagram bios, LinkedIn profiles, and emails are now frequently adorned with one’s pronouns. As Christians, how should we respond to this shift? Is the use of pronouns consistent with biblical teachings? As someone who formerly place their identity in their same-sex attraction, but now has been born again, I believe I can offer some insights into how we, as Christians, should navigate these conversations about gender identity in today's world. Should Christians use pronouns? To be honest, I find that question rather challenging. The way it's framed seems overly polarized, implying that the answer must be a simple 'Yes' or 'No.' In the world we live in today, we've seen numerous issues arise from such a two-tiered system, where people are unwilling to engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold opposing views. Instead, I'd like to rephrase the question. If you identify as a Christian, it's natural to seek answers in the Bible and turn to the Lord in prayer. Therefore, let's approach it this way: Would Jesus have used pronouns if He were on Earth today? The short answer: No. The long answer: Maybe. Maybe not. Now, before you send me an email or respond harshly in the comments, let's take a moment to reflect on what Jesus came to accomplish during His time on Earth: Jesus arrived on Earth, taking the form of a human boy while remaining fully God and fully man. He lived a life without sin and ultimately offered humanity a way to find redemption from sin. This redemption was available to those who believed in Jesus, turned away from their sinful ways, and wholeheartedly followed Him. As Jesus began His ministry, which began roughly 30 years into His earthly life, He gathered His disciples and started spreading the gospel beyond His hometown of Nazareth. The ministry was characterized by remarkable acts of goodness: He exemplified God's unconditional love to people. He demonstrated God's grace and mercy. He treated people with dignity and respect. He revealed Himself as the Son of God. He openly declared Himself as the Son of God. He illuminated the path toward holiness for all to see. Now, let's return to the question of this post: Would Jesus have used pronouns? Forgive me if you disagree, but my belief is that He would not have. The reason I hold this view is because using pronouns implies a tolerance and acceptance of a broad spectrum of gender identities. At first glance, tolerance and acceptance may not appear negative; in fact, they might seem like potential solutions to many of the world's issues. But as Christians, embracing tolerance and acceptance is akin to standing near the edge of a cliff without warning people about the abyss on the other side. Tolerance and acceptance can be spiritually lethal. I'm referring to a kind of death that's eternal. True Christians believe in the existence of only one path to heaven, but there are thousands of paths that lead to eternal damnation. Are our actions inadvertently suggesting otherwise? As I mentioned earlier, the Bible doesn't explicitly mention pronouns, but it provides examples of Jesus demonstrating unconditional love, grace, and mercy. If we turn to the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 8, we find two stories illustrating Jesus's unconditional love for individuals who were outcasts in society. In the first story, beginning in verse 26, we encounter a man who was possessed by demons and had been cast out to live among the dead in caves and graveyards. He was completely ostracized from society, and demonic forces controlled him. However, Jesus arrived in this village with His disciples, and everything changed for the man. Jesus rebuked and cast out the evil spirits, clothing the man and restoring his dignity and worth. The man responded by willingly dedicating his life to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Instead of casting him away, tolerating him, or justifying his behavior, Jesus spoke life and truth into the man. Through that truth, the man found freedom and eternal life. Jesus's actions saved and restored this man's life. In the next story, beginning in verse 40, Jesus is on His way to heal the daughter of a temple official. Along the way, a woman who had suffered from 12 years of bleeding touched Jesus's clothes and was miraculously healed. She risked her life in her act of faith. Jesus turned to this woman, who had been considered "unclean" and outcast for 12 years, and told her that her faith had made her well. Jesus didn't have to heal her; many people were bumping into Him as He made His way to perform another miracle. However, her deliberate touch filled with faith resulted in her healing. She believed that Jesus would restore her body and, with it, her identity. In both stories, Jesus engaged with those who were marginalized by society, demonstrating unconditional love, clothing them (both physically and figuratively), and restoring their dignity as children of God. So...Would Jesus have used pronouns? Jesus would not have used labels to define people by their sin. He wouldn't refer to an alcoholic as an "alcoholic" but as His child who struggles with alcohol. He wouldn't label a porn addict as such, but rather as His child who grapples with their sexual nature. He wouldn't categorize those in the LGBT community by their pronouns but as His children navigating questions of gender identity. How loving is it that Jesus came to Earth and shared the truth with us? How loving is it that we have a Bible where we can find answers to modern-day problems? Jesus loved us so deeply that He didn't concern Himself with how we would react to Him. Even when we hated Him, He loved us more. He was willing to lay down His life for us, to pay the price for our sins. However, as His followers, are we willing to do the same for others? Are we willing to demonstrate Jesus' unconditional love? Are we willing to extend Jesus' grace and mercy? Are we willing to show others the dignity and respect that Jesus showed? Are we willing to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God? Are we willing to declare that Jesus is the only path to heaven? Now, It's Your Turn to Decide. So, I leave the question of whether Jesus would use pronouns up to you. If you believe He would, then continue to use them! But use them in a way that allows you to speak truth into the lives of His creation. Don't use pronouns merely to show tolerance or acceptance, but as a form of unconditional love. However, remember that people will not enter heaven unless they identify as children of God and believe He died for their sins. If we truly believe that Jesus died for our sins, why would we need to identify with anything other than being a child of God? Conversely, if you believe Jesus would not use pronouns, then refrain from using them! But in not using them, ensure that you are still lovingly sharing the truth. Jesus did not condemn the demon-possessed man, nor did He cast out the bleeding woman. When not using someone's preferred pronouns, be careful not to inadvertently cast people out of the kingdom of God. Jesus engaged with the outcasts. He preached to them. Ultimately, Jesus left a seat at the table, not for "the outcasts," but for His sons and daughters. They were never outcasts in His loving eyes; they were simply lost children. Are you willing to seek after the lost? How Do We Respond? We Respond With Truth and Love Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality? Do you have your own testimony to share?

Many of us have watched Hallmark movies, whether we love them or despise their predictability. Typically, they depict the classic love story: a city girl meets a country boy, family conflicts arise, all culminating in a heartwarming finale, complete with snow on Christmas and a joyous family dinner. Despite my growing aversion to Hallmark movies due to their formulaic nature, I've come to realize that there's a subtle love hidden within the storylines, perhaps even within the hearts of the writers themselves. It's the love of a family continually setting the table, showing dedication, obedience, and unwavering affection. I'm not suggesting that this love is always portrayed on our TV screens or in Hollywood, but this visual has haunted my thoughts since last Friday night. The Faithful Father Imagine a solitary 60-year-old father living in a house that should accommodate far more than just him. Arguments and discord have left their mark on the well-worn carpet and faded wallpaper, but the aroma of his famous pot roast still lingers in the air. He always makes too much, with the intention of feeding a larger gathering. He envisions it being enjoyed around a table filled with laughter and joyful conversation, but instead, he eats alone, with leftovers to last the entire week. What the movies never illustrate is that this father still sets a place at the table for his daughter, the one who fled straight to college with no intention of returning home. With food and an empty seat at the table, he sits there all night, occasionally peering out of the window, hoping that she'll come home and find rest and comfort once again… (to be continued). If you haven't already realized, I'm addressing not an earthly father, although this story may resonate with many, but our heavenly Father, Jesus. In the beginning (whenever that may have been), God created the Earth and within it, a garden called Eden. He fashioned this place as the perfect home for His children, Adam and Eve. However, their desires extended beyond what they had. They sought hidden wisdom, concealed for their own well-being, and defied the rules that God had set before them. Consequently, God expelled them to live on Earth, a far more challenging terrain than the idyllic garden. My heart aches for those whose stories involve being cast out, for those whose choices led them to lose the comforts of the home that seemed eternally entitled to them. I implore you to keep reading. Simultaneously, my heart goes out to those who have had to make the heart-wrenching decision to expel a child. It's by no means an easy choice when you've brought a child into this world and provided them with everything they needed. Why did they rebel? Why did they run, both emotionally and physically? The answer lies in our humanity. Just like Adam and Eve, we are imperfect, we are all sinners, and we sometimes choose to "leave the garden." However, unlike so many movie endings where the story concludes, and the credits start rolling, our narrative doesn't end there. We aren't meant to be filled with anger, although it might seem justified. It's like those bright neon bracelets remind us: "What would Jesus do?" What would Jesus have done? In fact, the incredible thing is, we already know the answer: He died for us. And I believe that for many of us, that knowledge has grown dim and distant. I pray that your soul awakens from its slumber with this realization. Someone sacrificed their life for YOUR sake. Someone took the bullet for you. Someone protected you, even when you didn't buckle your seatbelt. His name is Jesus. The Bible tells us that from the moment we sinned (and even before), God had a plan to bring His children back home—the very ones whose choices had led them out of the garden. Through the faithfulness of many, the lineage from which Jesus would be born was established, and it was no accident. We were intentionally and fervently sought after by God, through His Son, with the ultimate goal of one day returning home—back to a seat at the table. But unlike God, we are flawed and sinful. We make mistakes, and the process of learning to forgive radically is incredibly challenging. God, being holy, was justified in expelling us from the garden because we were the exact opposite—filled with sin and wickedness. So, how did God manage to forgive those who did the complete opposite of what they were supposed to, the complete opposite of their intended nature? He loved first. It was through that love that He forgave us, granting us the opportunity to return home to Eden if we have faith. So, how do we, as fallen and broken humanity, learn to forgive others just as God forgave us? How do we forgive those who have cast us out and, in turn, those whom we have expelled? We turn to scripture, the roadmap for living, intricately woven into God's love story where He tirelessly pursued His children. Here we find 3 steps on learning to forgive: 1. Experience God’s Underserved + Overwhelming Love Before embarking on the journey of forgiveness, it's essential to address the fundamental question: why should we forgive? Why should we forgive the abusive parent, the alcoholic partner, or the deceitful ex? The answer lies in the fact that God loved us first. We are called to forgive because God forgave us. But what did God forgive us from? It was nothing less than eternal death and damnation. It might sound severe, and that's because it is. Eternal separation from God, a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Now, if we put any of the wrongdoings or ill-will we've experienced under the scrutiny of what God forgave us from, they fall far short. Many of us are victims of traumas that seem insurmountable, leaving us with scars that appear unhealable. However, one day, if you believe, God can heal you both internally and externally. That healing could begin today if you allow the Holy Spirit into your life. In Ephesians 4:31-32, it is written: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." This passage teaches us to shed our old selves and embrace our new selves, letting go of bitterness and anger and instead showing kindness and forgiveness, just as God has forgiven us. In Luke 7:47, Jesus tells us, "I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." This verse underscores the profound impact of God's forgiveness on our lives and the love we should extend to others. In harsh terms, if you don't believe in God, you might perceive no reason to forgive. No moral code to follow, leading to a cycle of seeking revenge, echoing the sentiment of many Taylor Swift songs: "get back at those who hurt you." Yet, this path leads to an empty abyss. How much more powerful is it to forgive our adversaries? Imagine the strength in witnessing our "earthly enemies" transformed into brothers and sisters. The key is understanding God's love first. 2. Heart Change through Lament, Anger, and Prayer with God Even as I write this, I can hardly fathom the trials and tribulations each and every one of us has faced in this fallen and sinful world. I'm deeply sorry for the pain and suffering you've endured. You are far more than the sum of your experiences and circumstances. I understand that saying you were meticulously crafted and woven together by God might initially feel more like a punch to the face than the warm embrace it should be. You have every right to be angry, but there is a sacred way to channel that anger, a holy way to lament. Ultimately, we need to turn to God with the emotions in our hearts. We need to lay it all out on the altar before Him. We were never meant to bear these burdens alone. In fact, we were never designed to endure any of the hardships we face, for sin was never part of God's original plan. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have been granted the strength, should we choose to accept it, to confront life head-on while striving to live a life that mirrors the holiness of Jesus—the way we would have lived if sin had never entered the picture. God created us in such a way that we are meant to experience our feelings. We were meant to shed tears, to feel anger, and to grieve. However, there exists a sacred manner in which we can express these emotions. What we should not do is bottle them up, storing them away in the recesses of our hearts where they ferment and poison our very souls. I'm reminded of the story of Jacob wrestling with God. While I've never been one for wrestling, this imagery speaks volumes. To wrestle with someone, you must be in close proximity, locked arm in arm, leg in leg. It's a beautiful depiction of how we should approach God with our emotions—not suppressing them, but wrestling with them, engaging with God as we grapple with who we are, as His cherished child, rather than a victim of our circumstances. Indeed, through this process of wrestling with our emotions, laying them before God, and seeking His guidance, we can begin to process the events that have transpired in our lives. This allows us to heal and find the strength to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. To do so any earlier runs the risk of trying to wim an argument rather than win over a soul. 3. Learn to Act for the Good of Others The final step in this process is perhaps the most concise, yet also the most profound: we forgive. While there may not be a grand or elaborate way to express it, we are called to forgive. It might seem like an insurmountable task, especially when the wrongdoer may never ask for forgiveness. However, it's important to remember that forgiveness is not only for others, but also for us and for God. Holding onto bitterness and unforgiveness is akin to telling God that we don't trust Him to fix the situation. We often long for control, but God encourages us to let go. Engaging in a tug-of-war with God over control only results in rope burns. We must release our grip and let Him support us side by side, allowing God to take the lead. While I may not have mastered the art of asking for forgiveness, I can be open and transparent about my own journey. In fact, I started therapy recently, breaking the taboo and silence surrounding the subject – it's like a hospital for our souls. During this process, I've learned that I struggle with change, and I don't handle relinquishing control well. I'd rather remain the driver of my life, with Jesus sometimes relegated to the back seat or even the trunk. Yet, Jesus is an excellent driver, I mean he is capable of walking on water, so maybe just maybe I should let “Jesus take the wheel.” Jokes aside, I have control issues; and I'm actively working on learning to forgive because forgiveness is within my control. I can't control how others will respond, but I can control my own bitterness. I can manage my thoughts, and I can choose to forgive. In doing so, the Lord can heal my soul in ways I never thought possible. Colossians 3:13-14 beautifully encapsulates this concept: "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." Through forgiveness, we not only find healing for ourselves but also demonstrate to others that they too can find healing. Are we leaving a seat at the table for those who have run away? For those we may have outcasted? Returning to the story we began with, it's important to remember that we can only control so much. We can shape the atmosphere of our homes or the state of our dorm rooms. We can choose our words carefully, extend forgiveness, and seek forgiveness from others. The Faithful Father (Cont.) …After three long years of cooking extra food and faithfully setting an extra seat night after night, the father's furrowed brow suddenly lifts at the unmistakable sound of tires crunching on the gravel driveway. The piercing beam of headlights penetrates through the curtains. She's home. My daughter is home. He rushes to the kitchen, roast in hand, his heart pounding with anticipation, and flings the door wide open. "My daughter, I have set your place; hurry and find rest at my table!" "Dad, I'm sor..." "Hush," he interrupts with a smile that radiates love, "I have been waiting for this day since the day you left. Now, enjoy!" In the same way God originally intended Eden for His creation, He waits for us patiently, yearning for our return. Jesus loves you. He forgives you. As Zephaniah beautifully expresses, "On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again... [I] will take delight in you with gladness." So, let me ask you this: - Are you willing to forgive others? - Are you leaving a seat open at the table? - How long are you willing to wait? As we ponder these questions, may we find the strength to follow in God's footsteps, extending forgiveness, leaving a seat open at the table, and waiting with patience and love for those who have wandered away. How Do We Respond We Respond With a Seat at the Table Do you have any questions about the Christian faith or sexuality? Do you have your own testimony to share?