The topic for today’s digest is a very sensitive and controversial one. It’s not the conversation you’d randomly find within the church environment. Open your heart to receive, as you read.
Our Bible text will be taken from Matt. 5: 14-16
14. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Let’s also look at, 2 Tim. 3:15-17
15. and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Take your time to understand the bible text, as this will set the ground upon which the rest of this message is built.
The scripture gives us proper understanding of salvation and doctrine, hence, whatever contradicts the scripture, contradicts salvation, and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
In context to the topic we’re discussing, LGBTQ is a disruption of the “natural order”, and more importantly, a violation to God’s view of sexuality.
The human race is progressing in the act of sin and wickedness, and have advanced from homosexuality to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and more recently to LGBTQ + to include more other diverse gender identities). This is the level of confusion in the LGBTQ community as they continue to discover more diverse gender identities.
As a child of God, shining as a light in this darkness, requires you know your stand in Christ.
Some of these people are going to be colleagues at work, course mates, living in same neighborhood, and somehow, they seem to be not very far away.
Now, the big question is how do you relate with them, as a Christian?
The first and most important thing for you to know is who you are in Christ.
If they are confused, you don’t want to be in that confusion. Your identity in Christ is how God sees you. That is how you must see yourself.
You are the light and salt of the earth according to Matt 5: 13-16.
The Benefits of knowing who you are in Christ include:
- It gives you confidence to stand firm on the truth you know
- You won’t be tossed to and fro (You won’t fall for anything that is not part of your identity in Christ)
- Putting on the image of God helps you to align your thoughts, actions, and values with God’s Word and Christ’s example.
The Biblical perspective of LGBTQ+:
Homosexuality is a consequence of consistent disregard for the knowledge of God.
According to Rom. 1: 26-27 (NKJV):
26. For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27. Likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Let’s look at verses 28-29 further:
28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting 29. being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, etc.
The nonstop disregard for the knowledge of God delivered them unto vileness and inordinate affection, because they’ve disregarded God’s knowledge so much that it is impossible to do what’s right anymore.
How to relate with the LGBTQ+ community as a child of God:
1. Show them love – Don’t join in their persecution, oppression, and discrimination but show them genuine compassion.
In Luk 10: 27 – 27. So, he answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Jesus rescued an adulterous woman from the persecution of a mob without condoning her sin (John 8:10–11).
However, you must remember that showing compassion is not the same as endorsing a person’s lifestyle. Compassion does not require agreement or approval.
2. Do not approve of their practice:
According to Rom. 1:32 – 32. Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
As Christians we should stand firm in the biblically based conviction that homosexuality is sin! Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). If a male said he is a female, you don’t join in that confusion. You don’t address a man as a woman, nor a woman, as a man; just as you will not call a mango an orange.
3. Preach the gospel of light to them:
This is the best way to win them over and increase God’s influence in their community.
In Rom. 10:14 – 14. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
God’s offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ is extended to all people; anyone who puts his faith in Jesus can be forgiven of all his sin and become God’s child.
God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, fornicator, idol worshiper, thief, greedy person, etc. – it is equally available to all sinners, which is all human beings.
4. Pray for them earnestly, consistently, and in faithfully.
Pray for them that the light of the gospel may shine upon them so they can come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ just as you.
Say this prayer:
Father, help me to shine my light for the dark world to see. Let my life be an expression of your grace.
