Breaking Chains: Embracing God's Love for LGBTQ+ People
Breaking Chains: Embracing God's Love for LGBTQ+ People
Church of Deets
Breaking Chains:
Embracing God's Love for LGBTQ+ People
In our journey of faith, we often encounter questions that challenge us—questions that push us to reflect deeply on the nature of God’s love and how it manifests in our lives. One such question, increasingly asked in our time, is whether being LGBTQ+ is a sin.
I stand here today to affirm with conviction that being LGBTQ+ is not a sin. Instead, it is part of the rich diversity of God’s creation, something to be celebrated rather than condemned. This sermon is an invitation to explore the Scriptures, challenge misinterpretations, and embrace the truth that love—God’s love—knows no bounds.
God Is Love: The Heart of the Gospel
To begin, we must center ourselves on the foundational truth of the Gospel: God is love. In 1 John 4:16, the apostle writes, “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of who God is. Everything we know about God—God’s mercy, justice, holiness, and righteousness—flows from this central truth: love.
When we interpret Scripture, it must always be through the lens of this love. It is not enough to pull isolated verses from the Bible without understanding the broader narrative of God’s love and grace. Jesus himself modeled this approach when asked about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-39. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Notice that Jesus didn’t offer a list of exclusions. He didn’t say, “Love your straight neighbor,” or “Love your neighbor, but only if they fit certain criteria.” No—his command was clear and unequivocal. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this includes our LGBTQ+ siblings. Anything less would be a failure to live up to the radical, all-encompassing love that Jesus calls us to embody.
Challenging Misinterpretations: What Does the Bible Really Say?
Some of us may have heard Bible verses used to justify condemnation of LGBTQ+ people. Verses from Leviticus, Romans, or Corinthians are often quoted as evidence that being LGBTQ+ is sinful. However, these so-called “clobber passages” are often misinterpreted, taken out of context, and used in ways that distort their original meaning.
Take, for example, Leviticus 18:22, which is often cited: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” It’s essential to remember that Leviticus is part of the Old Testament law given to the Israelites in a specific historical and cultural context. Many of the laws in Leviticus are not followed by Christians today. We don’t adhere to dietary restrictions, rules about fabrics, or commands regarding sacrifices. Why, then, would we selectively use this one verse to condemn LGBTQ+ people?
Moreover, the word “abomination” in Hebrew is to’evah, which refers to practices considered culturally taboo or ritually impure at that time. It does not imply an intrinsic moral evil. The focus in Leviticus is on purity laws meant for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from neighboring tribes, not a condemnation of loving, consensual relationships.
In the New Testament, passages like Romans 1:26-27 are similarly misunderstood. In this chapter, Paul describes people who have turned away from God and fallen into various forms of idolatry. His mention of same-sex acts in this context is tied to exploitative and abusive behaviors, often associated with temple prostitution and pagan rituals of the time. It does not refer to loving, committed relationships between two consenting adults.
When we approach these texts with humility, recognizing the vast cultural and historical gap between ancient times and today, we see that these passages do not address the modern understanding of sexual orientation or gender identity. They do not condemn LGBTQ+ individuals, nor do they speak to the love and mutual respect that characterizes many LGBTQ+ relationships today.
The Inclusiveness of Jesus’ Ministry
When we look to the life and teachings of Jesus, we find no record of him condemning LGBTQ+ people. In fact, Jesus didn’t speak about homosexuality or sexual orientation at all. Instead, his ministry was marked by radical inclusivity. Jesus consistently reached out to those who were marginalized, oppressed, and misunderstood in society.
Consider the story of the woman at the well in John 4. Jesus, a Jewish man, broke all societal norms by speaking with a Samaritan woman—a person who, by cultural standards, was considered inferior. Not only did he speak to her, but he also revealed profound truths about God’s love and grace, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s care.
Similarly, Jesus touched lepers, ate with tax collectors, and defended those caught in sin. His ministry was a living testament to the truth that God’s love is for everyone, especially those who have been cast aside by religious authorities or social norms.
If Jesus, the very embodiment of God’s love, went out of his way to include those whom society had rejected, how can we, as his followers, do anything less? To exclude or condemn LGBTQ+ individuals is to act in direct opposition to the inclusive love that Jesus demonstrated time and time again.
Created in God’s Image: The Diversity of Creation
Let’s reflect on the creation narrative in Genesis. In Genesis 1:27, it is written, “So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This passage reveals that each of us, as human beings, is created in the image of God. It is a foundational truth that applies to all people—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or nationality.
The diversity of humanity is not a mistake or a flaw in God’s creation; rather, it reflects the infinite creativity of God. Just as we see diversity in nature—the vast array of species, colors, and forms—we also see diversity in humanity. LGBTQ+ individuals are part of this beautiful diversity, bearing the image of God just as much as anyone else.
Psalm 139:14 further emphasizes this point: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Every LGBTQ+ person can affirm this truth for themselves. They, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator. They, too, are beloved children of God.
To suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are inherently sinful or flawed is to deny the very image of God within them. It is to reject the sacredness of their identity, which has been beautifully and intentionally crafted by God.
A Call to Radical Love and Inclusion
As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. This means embodying the love and grace that Jesus showed during his ministry. It means breaking down walls of exclusion and embracing all people as part of the beloved community.
In Galatians 3:28, the apostle Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse speaks to the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. In Christ, all distinctions that divide us—whether they be based on race, class, gender, or sexuality—are torn down. We are united in the love of God, and there is no place for exclusion or condemnation.
If we are to take seriously the call of Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves, we must extend that love to our LGBTQ+ siblings. We must affirm their dignity, honor their relationships, and welcome them fully into the life of the church.
The Harm of Exclusion
Unfortunately, the church has not always lived up to this calling. Too often, LGBTQ+ people have been excluded, marginalized, or condemned by religious communities. This exclusion has caused profound harm—spiritual, emotional, and sometimes even physical harm.
LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide due to the rejection they often face from their families, communities, and churches. According to studies, LGBTQ+ individuals who experience rejection from their faith communities are more likely to struggle with mental health issues and feelings of worthlessness.
This is not the way of Christ. Jesus came to bring life, and life in abundance (John 10:10). He came to set the captives free, to heal the brokenhearted, and to offer love and acceptance to those who have been cast aside. If the church is to be a reflection of Christ’s love, it must repent of the harm it has caused and commit to being a place of healing, acceptance, and affirmation for all people—especially LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Power of Affirmation: A Church That Embraces All
Imagine what the church could be if it fully embraced LGBTQ+ individuals. Imagine a community where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are celebrated as part of God’s diverse creation. A place where everyone is free to be their authentic selves without fear of rejection or condemnation.
This is the vision of the Kingdom of God—a place where all are welcome, all are loved, and all are included. As followers of Christ, we are called to make that vision a reality here on earth. It starts with each of us. It starts with our churches, our communities, and our families.
When we affirm the dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ individuals, we reflect the heart of God’s love. Affirmation isn’t simply about tolerance; it is about actively embracing people as they are—celebrating their gifts, their relationships, their identities. It is about creating a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and relationally within the life of the church.
Affirming Relationships: The Gift of Love
One of the central arguments against LGBTQ+ inclusion has been the belief that LGBTQ+ relationships are inherently sinful. Yet, when we examine Scripture, we see that the Bible places a profound emphasis on love, commitment, and mutual care in relationships, rather than rigid definitions of gender or sexual orientation.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul offers a beautiful description of love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
What matters most in any relationship is not the gender of the people involved but the qualities of love that are present. Is there kindness? Is there patience? Is there a deep sense of commitment and care for one another’s well-being? These are the markers of a godly relationship, and they can be found in both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual relationships alike.
Many LGBTQ+ couples exhibit these same virtues of love, care, and commitment. To deny them the recognition and celebration of their love is to ignore the very essence of what Scripture teaches about relationships. In fact, when two people commit to loving and caring for each other with selflessness and devotion, they reflect God’s love for humanity.
The Church’s Role in Healing and Justice
The church has a vital role to play in healing the wounds caused by exclusion and judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of reconciliation and justice. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul reminds us that God “reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.”
Reconciliation is not merely about spiritual healing—it is about restoring right relationships within the community. For far too long, the church has been a source of pain for LGBTQ+ individuals. The good news is that we can choose a different path. We can choose to be a church that actively works for justice, standing up against discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia in all their forms.
Justice, in a biblical sense, is not simply about following laws or rules—it is about creating a society where all people have the opportunity to flourish. This includes ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals have access to the same rights, opportunities, and protections as everyone else. It means advocating for their well-being and supporting their full inclusion in every aspect of life, both within the church and beyond.
The Holy Spirit at Work: Transforming Hearts and Minds
Throughout the history of the church, the Holy Spirit has often moved in ways that challenge the status quo and expand our understanding of God’s will. From the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church (Acts 10) to the abolition of slavery, the church has continually been called to re-examine its practices and beliefs in light of the Spirit’s leading.
Today, we are witnessing a similar movement of the Spirit as more and more Christians come to affirm the full humanity and dignity of LGBTQ+ people. The Spirit is working in the hearts of individuals and communities, opening our eyes to the beauty of diversity and calling us to deeper love and inclusion.
This movement is not a departure from the teachings of Scripture—it is a fulfillment of them. It is a recognition that God’s love is far wider and more expansive than we have often imagined. It is a call to break free from the legalism and judgment that have held us back and to embrace the liberating truth of the Gospel: that all people are beloved children of God, worthy of love, dignity, and respect.
A Vision for the Future: A Church That Reflects the Kingdom of God
As we look to the future, let us envision a church that fully embodies the radical love of Christ. A church where LGBTQ+ people are not merely tolerated but celebrated for who they are. A church that stands as a beacon of hope and justice in a world that so often seeks to divide and exclude.
This is the vision of the Kingdom of God—a place where all are welcome at the table, where there is no “us” and “them,” but only the beloved community of God’s people, united in love and service.
In Revelation 21:3-4, we are given a glimpse of this future: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
This is the hope we cling to—the hope of a world where there is no more pain, no more rejection, no more exclusion. A world where every person is seen, known, and loved for who they truly are.
Conclusion: The Call to Love Without Limits
In closing, let us remember that we are called to love without limits. To love as Christ loved, without conditions or exclusions. Being LGBTQ+ is not a sin; it is part of the rich diversity of God’s creation. Every LGBTQ+ person is a beloved child of God, created in God’s image, and deserving of love, dignity, and respect.
As the church, we must commit ourselves to living out this love in tangible ways. We must be a place of healing, inclusion, and affirmation for all people. We must stand against injustice and work for a world where every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can flourish.
May we be guided by the love of Christ as we seek to build a church that reflects the Kingdom of God—a church where all are welcome, all are loved, and all are included.
Amen.
Resources:
LGBTQIA+ PRIDE History Timeline
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