October 8th, 2025
by Pastor Mykal Smith
by Pastor Mykal Smith
The Delicate Balance: Love, Truth, and God's Design
In a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, it's crucial to return to the foundations of our faith and seek clarity on challenging topics. Today, we're exploring a subject that has sparked countless debates and divided communities: how people of faith should approach LGBTQ+ issues.
At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental truth: God loves you. Regardless of who you are, what you're wrestling with, or where you find yourself on your spiritual journey, this love is unwavering and unconditional. However, this profound love doesn't negate the existence of absolute truth or God's perfect design for humanity.
The Bible offers a clear blueprint for human sexuality and relationships. In Genesis, we see God creating humans in His image, specifically as male and female. He then instructs them to be fruitful and multiply, establishing the framework for family and procreation. This design isn't arbitrary; it's intentional and purposeful.
Yet, we live in a fallen world where sin has distorted God's original plan. The enemy's tactics haven't changed since the Garden of Eden. He still whispers, "Did God really say...?" sowing seeds of doubt about God's word and His good intentions for us. This deception leads us to redefine truth according to our desires, ultimately resulting in destruction.
The Bible doesn't shy away from addressing sexual sin, including homosexuality. In passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we see clear prohibitions against same-sex relationships. However, it's crucial to remember that these verses don't single out one particular sin as worse than others. The list in 1 Corinthians includes a wide range of behaviors that are contrary to God's will, from sexual immorality to greed and drunkenness.
This brings us to a critical point: we are all sinners in need of God's grace. None of us can claim moral superiority. The good news is that transformation is possible for everyone who turns to Christ. As 1 Corinthians 6:11 beautifully states, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
So how do we navigate these complex issues with both truth and love?
Here are four key principles to guide us:
It's essential to recognize that living outside of God's design leaves all of us vulnerable to brokenness and deception. Statistics show alarmingly high rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. This isn't about condemning anyone; it's about acknowledging the pain and confusion that result from straying from God's perfect plan.
For parents and guardians raising children in this complex cultural landscape, it's crucial to walk with them through confusion rather than handing them over to it. Many adolescents struggle with questions about identity and sexuality. Instead of rushing to label or medicalize these experiences, we should recognize them as part of the natural process of puberty and growing up. With patience, love, and guidance rooted in God's truth, many young people will naturally come to embrace their biological sex and God-given identity.
Remember, it's never too late to turn back to God. Some of you may know the story of my cousin, Kent, who lived a gay lifestyle for decades before returning to faith. Kent's testimony serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing love and the possibility of redemption. Despite the physical toll of AIDS and cancer, Kent found peace and forgiveness in his final days, securing his place in eternity with Christ.
As we grapple with these challenging issues, let's commit to being a church that doesn't shy away from difficult conversations. We must create spaces where people can honestly wrestle with their questions and struggles while being lovingly pointed toward God's truth and design.
It's crucial to understand the difference between hate speech and speech that you might hate to hear. Speaking the truth in love isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary for genuine growth and transformation. Just as a doctor who advises weight loss or a spouse who encourages healthier habits isn't acting out of hatred, neither are we when we lovingly uphold God's standards.
In conclusion, let's remember that our ultimate goal is to see people reconciled to God and living in the freedom and abundance He intends for us. This requires a delicate balance of grace and truth, mirroring Jesus' own approach. We must be willing to engage in difficult conversations, always motivated by love and a desire to see people experience the fullness of life in Christ.
As we go forward, let's pray for clarity in our understanding of God's Word, conviction to stand firm in the truth, courage to face a challenging culture, and compassion that reflects the heart of Jesus. May we be a people who love boldly, speak truthfully, and point others to the transforming power of the Gospel.
In a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, it's crucial to return to the foundations of our faith and seek clarity on challenging topics. Today, we're exploring a subject that has sparked countless debates and divided communities: how people of faith should approach LGBTQ+ issues.
At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental truth: God loves you. Regardless of who you are, what you're wrestling with, or where you find yourself on your spiritual journey, this love is unwavering and unconditional. However, this profound love doesn't negate the existence of absolute truth or God's perfect design for humanity.
The Bible offers a clear blueprint for human sexuality and relationships. In Genesis, we see God creating humans in His image, specifically as male and female. He then instructs them to be fruitful and multiply, establishing the framework for family and procreation. This design isn't arbitrary; it's intentional and purposeful.
Yet, we live in a fallen world where sin has distorted God's original plan. The enemy's tactics haven't changed since the Garden of Eden. He still whispers, "Did God really say...?" sowing seeds of doubt about God's word and His good intentions for us. This deception leads us to redefine truth according to our desires, ultimately resulting in destruction.
The Bible doesn't shy away from addressing sexual sin, including homosexuality. In passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we see clear prohibitions against same-sex relationships. However, it's crucial to remember that these verses don't single out one particular sin as worse than others. The list in 1 Corinthians includes a wide range of behaviors that are contrary to God's will, from sexual immorality to greed and drunkenness.
This brings us to a critical point: we are all sinners in need of God's grace. None of us can claim moral superiority. The good news is that transformation is possible for everyone who turns to Christ. As 1 Corinthians 6:11 beautifully states, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
So how do we navigate these complex issues with both truth and love?
Here are four key principles to guide us:
- Clarity: We must know what God's Word says. Hebrews 5:14 encourages us to train ourselves to distinguish good from evil.
- Conviction: Stand firm in what you believe, even when it's unpopular. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 reminds us that we speak to please God, not people.
- Courage: Don't cower in a hostile world. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline
- Compassion: Engage people with the heart of Christ. Remember, Jesus wept over Jerusalem, moved with compassion for the lost.
It's essential to recognize that living outside of God's design leaves all of us vulnerable to brokenness and deception. Statistics show alarmingly high rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. This isn't about condemning anyone; it's about acknowledging the pain and confusion that result from straying from God's perfect plan.
For parents and guardians raising children in this complex cultural landscape, it's crucial to walk with them through confusion rather than handing them over to it. Many adolescents struggle with questions about identity and sexuality. Instead of rushing to label or medicalize these experiences, we should recognize them as part of the natural process of puberty and growing up. With patience, love, and guidance rooted in God's truth, many young people will naturally come to embrace their biological sex and God-given identity.
Remember, it's never too late to turn back to God. Some of you may know the story of my cousin, Kent, who lived a gay lifestyle for decades before returning to faith. Kent's testimony serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing love and the possibility of redemption. Despite the physical toll of AIDS and cancer, Kent found peace and forgiveness in his final days, securing his place in eternity with Christ.
As we grapple with these challenging issues, let's commit to being a church that doesn't shy away from difficult conversations. We must create spaces where people can honestly wrestle with their questions and struggles while being lovingly pointed toward God's truth and design.
It's crucial to understand the difference between hate speech and speech that you might hate to hear. Speaking the truth in love isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary for genuine growth and transformation. Just as a doctor who advises weight loss or a spouse who encourages healthier habits isn't acting out of hatred, neither are we when we lovingly uphold God's standards.
In conclusion, let's remember that our ultimate goal is to see people reconciled to God and living in the freedom and abundance He intends for us. This requires a delicate balance of grace and truth, mirroring Jesus' own approach. We must be willing to engage in difficult conversations, always motivated by love and a desire to see people experience the fullness of life in Christ.
As we go forward, let's pray for clarity in our understanding of God's Word, conviction to stand firm in the truth, courage to face a challenging culture, and compassion that reflects the heart of Jesus. May we be a people who love boldly, speak truthfully, and point others to the transforming power of the Gospel.
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