What Would Jesus Say to the Gay Community?
There is a lot of noise on the news and in public forums about gay marriage and traditional values. Everyone has an opinion on what’s right and what’s wrong. But what would Jesus say? How would Jesus address a gay man or a lesbian? Looking through Scripture, Jesus makes His thoughts fairly clear.
5 Things Jesus Says To The Gay Community
1. I love you.
Amidst the protest signs, yelling crowds, and political referendums, the simple message of Jesus’ love for you is often drowned out. Never doubt that Jesus loves you more than you could ever know. Jesus doesn’t just love a future version of you; He loves you exactly as you are right now. Jesus’ love for you has no prerequisites or requirements. Even if you hate Him, Jesus loves you and wants what is best for you. Love is at the core of everything Jesus taught. Unfortunately, His message of love has been conveniently left out by many who would rather make a point than make a difference (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Psalm 86:15, and 1 John 4:8-10).
2. I understand rejection.
Jesus knows how it feels to be a social outcast. You would think the religious leaders would have been His best friends, but they hated Him. They sought to kill Him and publicly shame Him any chance they had. Eventually, the religious elite joined forces with local politicians and murdered Jesus in front of a cheering crowd. Rejection hurts. Jesus’ own family thought He was out of His mind; you probably understand how that feels. In Jesus’ greatest moment of need, His closest friends deserted Him.
You may feel rejected by society and the church right now, and that daily pressure takes a toll. Jesus understands. His heart always breaks for the rejected and the outcast. Jesus wants to gather you in His arms and let you know that He loves you. You have a home with Jesus, you belong to Him, and you are His child. Don’t reject Him because He has not rejected you (Isaiah 53:3, Mark 3:20-21, Matthew 26:55-56, Matthew 27, Ezekiel 18:21-23).
3. I also was tempted.
Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. He does not shame you or reject you because of your temptations and feelings. He faced the same thing when He walked the earth. He never married and faced daily pressure and temptation in every way imaginable. Some like to pretend they are perfect and never face any struggles, but they’re lying. Jesus really was perfect and still faced temptation. He battled the desire to run away from His Father’s plan.
He understands what you are going through. If you read about His life, you will see it was no cake walk, but if you will walk with Him and obey Him, you will find a greater reward than you could ever imagine (Hebrews 4:15-16, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 12:2-3, and Hebrews 12:7-11).
4. I want more for you.
God created marriage and sex for your enjoyment. Sex was created for one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage, and it has been that way from the beginning. Anything else is sin. Sin is not a fun word or a comfortable topic, but Jesus will not stop bringing it to our attention because we will miss out on life with Him if sin is left unaddressed. You may think Jesus is trying to take the one thing you enjoy or spoil your fun, but that is not the case. The reason He clearly defined marriage and sex in the Bible is because He wants what is best for you.
Ignore the political arguments, the protestors, and the yelling. Jesus wants you to trust Him. Trust that He has good things in store for you. Trust that He wants what is best for you. Before you decide that what you feel is right, decide if you trust Him (Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 3:17-21, and 1 Timothy 2:4).
5. I will be here for you.
You may disagree with Jesus’s thoughts on sex and marriage, but He will not turn away from you. You may enjoy the life you live right now even if it disagrees with the guidelines He laid out in Scripture. Jesus understands your hesitation to make changes. He does not give up on us. For a long time now, people have disagreed with Him, yelled at Him, and run from Him, and He patiently waits. Jesus is patient with us because He wants you to know Him. Jesus wants you to live the life He has planned for you. When you are worn out from doing things your way, He will be here. Turn to Him and ask for help, and He will be there before you can blink.
There is no permanent joy outside of Jesus. Jesus wants what is best for you, and He wants you to experience a full life. Jesus is not concerned with winning an argument or forcing you to do something you don’t want to do. Jesus wants you to know that your relationship with Him is better than anything else out there. Until you reach that point, He will be here patiently drawing you to Himself (Romans 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Peter 5:7 and Hosea 14).