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If you are unfamiliar with the acronym LGBT, it stands for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender. This community generally celebrates pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality. Younger Americans are more likely to identify with being LGBT, with adults between the ages of 18-29 occurring 3x more within this group.
With such a huge paradigm shift in our society that is coming as a result of the LGBT community, how are Christians supposed to respond Biblically? Being extreme, hating and judging this group or tolerating and accepting are not the answers, however, there is a delicate balance of truth applied with love.
Treat people the way Christ would.
If you are unsure how to handle this population, ask yourself how Jesus would react? Would He speak hate, disgust, or condemnation? Jesus could love the person apart from their sin. Christ never accepted or condoned sinful lifestyles, but He showed people the way out of their choices that were ultimately destroying their lives. He saw each person as valuable and worthy of His time. We are to judge the behavior, not the individual. (John 7:24)
Listen and build a relationship.
Everyone has a story, and everyone wants to be heard. Jesus always took the time to develop relationships with the people He would minister to. Many LGBT’s have been abused, mistreated, and neglected. They are lost, deceived, and confused. It does not help if as Christians we never take the time to hear them and develop trust, but instead immediately give them scriptures or tell them that they will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Giving scriptures may come, but it MUST be directed by God. While we know the scriptures, telling someone they are going to spend eternity in Hell because of their lifestyle, can do more damage to them.
It is never helpful to tell anyone that you know where they will spend eternity. Sometimes, we have to allow the Holy Spirit to speak into people’s lives and convict of sin. Believe me, God can do His job! Our job is to love, and point to truth when it is God-led.
Most likely we will not win this community over to Christ by shunning them or devaluing them in anyway. Everyone has the potential to change, however, condemning LGBT’s will not change them. We must remember that no sin is greater than another sin.
And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” John 8:7
Look and watch for opportunities to share the truth in God’s Word.
Express to them that you value them as a person, and they are God’s creation. As God opens the door, share nuggets of truth to them. Watch and listen to see if they are ready to accept what you are saying, if not; back off and wait and pray for another opportunity. Never push or force your views and beliefs.
Never Compromise!
Ministering to LGBT’s you must never compromise your beliefs. You can still show Christ’s love and compassion, yet do not allow yourself to come into agreement with the sinful lifestyle. This means standing for truth of God’s laws but with humbleness and meekness. We are not to argue or give into any demands that is contrary to Biblical truth.
Pray for deliverance, and truth to be revealed.
There is a demonic force that keeps them in bondage to sin. Pray for a release from the spirits of oppression, deception, and confusion. As Christians we know this is not God’s plan. The enemy has distorted their sexuality and identity.
The next time you see or engage with a LGBT take the time and lift them in prayer. They are in a major spiritual warfare, and many do not have ones who are praying for them. Your job is not to change or fix them, but to lead them to THE CROSS.
What are your experiences with the LGBT community? Please share anything helpful with our readers. Thank you and God bless.
It can be so easy to misplace our love for those who practice a lifestyle that is self desctructive as we view it. As you are saying, Christ hates sin but loves the sinner. We need to get a clear understanding of what caused them to adopt this way of life. Prayer is a must.
I think it is a real challenge for believers since we see this group of people targeting Christian businesses deliberately. Yet they are showing intolerance by these very acts and trying forcibly, if necessary, to harm others who differ. Sad that they are blind to the things they accuse others of practicing.
Taking away other people’s rights does so much damage to the way in which our country is to be about.
Cora,
I appreciate your reply. I could not agree with you more. This is difficult for many Christians. We try to balance truth and love, while not losing our religious freedoms or compromising our beliefs. Loving the sinner and not the sin is not always an easy task. We have to understand that prayer is the best way to help this group. It is a spiritual battle for them.
Blessings to you!
Stephanie R, you hit the nail right on the head. I couldn’t have said it any better. Often times Christians get lost in legalism, in pointing fingers, and casting judgement–all in the name of Jesus. But We can refuse to compromise our believes while still showing love. Great article and great Job!
Amelia,
I appreciate your reply! I am total agreement with you. Thank you for your encouragement. I know this is a controversial topic, but it needs to be addressed. I have personally spoken to LGBT who have been badly hurt by well meaning church folk. We can love without compromising!
Blessings to you!
Stephanie,
Very sound and anointed article. Wise steps on how to relate with the LGBT community. The Key God needs to lead in our interactions with
them.
Greg,
Thank you for your comment! Very appreciated! Blessings to you.
I recently re-watched the Jesus Revolution movie and my wife pointed out to me that this is no different than the LGBTQ community. The Hippies were trying to find love and God but they couldn’t find it by themselves, we gotta go out to them and tell about Jesus. Hoe He came to save them from their sins, how He loves them and wants them to spend eternity with Him. That He will never leave them nor forsake them, He is always there for them especially when they need to talk or hurting. Thank you for your article and I hope this helps anyone too