5 Things Jesus Says to the Gay Community By NewSpring Church
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.
Five 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; 1 John 4:8-10; Romans 5:8; Psalm 86:15).
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, 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; 1 Timothy 2:4).
5. I will be here for you.
You may disagree with Jesus’ 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; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:7; Hosea 14).
and sin no more.............