“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
A call to return to the heart of the Gospel
Most believers want to honor God and follow Scripture. However, parts of the Church have confused conviction with hostility—often toward LGBTQ+ neighbors. Therefore, this article does not rewrite Scripture; rather, it calls us back to what Jesus actually taught.
1) Jesus made love the law
When asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus did not list moral rules. Instead, He said: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). In other words, every command hangs on love.
If our words or actions do not produce love, then we have stepped outside the Gospel. Furthermore, bullying, rejection, or mockery of LGBTQ+ people reflects fear, not faith. And since perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18), followers of Jesus must choose love.
2) Scripture is not a weapon
Too often, a handful of verses is used to justify mistreating LGBTQ+ people. Yet the same literalism would also demand dietary restrictions or acceptance of slavery. Thankfully, Jesus corrected purity rules when they harmed people. For example, He touched lepers, ate with outcasts, and said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).
Therefore, using the Bible to wound instead of heal imitates the Pharisees, not Jesus.
3) Jesus welcomed the outcast
- The Samaritan woman (John 4) was shunned by many, yet Jesus offered her living water.
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19) was despised, but Jesus invited Himself to dinner and called him a son of Abraham.
- Lepers and the sick (Mark 1:40–45) were labeled “unclean,” and yet Jesus reached out and touched them.
Clearly, if Jesus sought out people pushed aside by religion, then His followers cannot justify pushing anyone away.
4) The test of true faith
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Consequently, we must evaluate results. What grows from condemning LGBTQ+ people? Broken families, despair, and suicide. On the other hand, what grows from love? Healing, peace, and hope.
Moreover, the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—shows where God is truly at work. Thus, if our so-called “truth” produces cruelty, then it is not from the Spirit.
5) The Church’s opportunity
At this moment, Christians face a clear choice. We can be known for what we oppose, or for the love that once changed the world. After all, Jesus did not say people would know us by opinions; He said they would know us by love.
Therefore, standing with LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters is not political activism; it is authentic discipleship. It demonstrates that no one lies beyond the reach of God’s grace.
A prayer for the Church
Lord Jesus, teach us to see others as You see them.
Remove fear, pride, and cruelty from our hearts.
Help us to love with courage and listen before we judge,
remembering that every person we meet bears Your image. Amen.
