How Can the Church Love Those Who Struggle With Same-Sex Attractions?
The Church needs to acknowledge that all Christians struggle sexually in some way. But it must also recognize, and attend to, those in its midst who struggle with same-sex attraction. While the biblical worldview of sex and sexuality does not embrace gay relationships, that does not mean the Church ignores or mistreats those who try to live faithful lives with a struggle they did not choose.
If we want to truly support Church and gays seeking to live in obedience to Christ, it begins with honesty. We must create a culture of humility where everyone is free to admit their brokenness. The Church cannot be a place where people feel they must hide their struggles in order to belong—it must be a place where truth and grace meet.
When churches move toward people instead of away from them, it communicates the heart of Jesus. To support Church and gays in gospel-centered ways, we need to listen well, pray faithfully, and walk alongside those who are seeking to live faithfully. Presence matters. So does compassion.
To support Church and gays well is to recognize that we’re not divided into two categories of people—those who struggle and those who don’t—but rather one body, deeply in need of grace, walking together toward Christ.
Tim Geiger gives five ways you can walk alongside someone who struggles with same-sex attraction, communicating along the way that he or she is a fellow believer who is loved and valued—by God and by you! You can learn more by reading Tim’s blog, “Loving Our LGBTQ+ Struggling Brothers and Sisters,” and our recent harvestusa magazine where this article first appeared.
