Booger McLovin

A plain reading of Scripture shows that LGBTQ practice is counted among sexual immorality, a distortion of God’s good design for mankind. Romans 1 explains that when people turn from God, He gives them over to dishonorable passions, which is evidence of rebellion against Him. This reality is not confined to ancient times but is evident throughout the modern West. It is likely that anyone reading this today has a friend or relative who identifies within the LGBTQ community.

At the same time, we see many churches attempting to rationalize this practice, some even blessing same-sex marriages. The world may demand affirmation, but God calls His people to faithfulness: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). We cannot compromise the truth of God’s Word, but neither should we forget the call to love sinners as Christ loved us.

The Example of Jesus

When we look at Jesus, we see a pattern of love that did not compromise righteousness. He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10). He spoke with the Samaritan woman, who lived in sexual sin, and guided her to living water (John 4:13–18). He invited Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, down from the tree to dine with Him, and that encounter led to repentance (Luke 19:5–9). Jesus began with relationship. He revealed truth, but always in the context of love.

In the same way, hearts are not turned from sin by argument alone. They are turned when people encounter the Spirit of Christ. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). The key question then becomes: how do we help someone become willing to receive the Spirit of God?

The Power of Relationship

It begins with relationship. Paul reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Many people who identify as LGBTQ did not arrive there because of genetics, as the culture insists. Deep wounds often shape that path. Studies show that a significant number of women who identify as LGBTQ have suffered sexual abuse. Rejection, trauma, or lack of love in childhood can leave scars that distort one’s search for belonging.

This is why many are quick to embrace communities that promise unconditional acceptance, even if that acceptance is built upon lies. Our task, then, is to display the unconditional love of Christ in a way that does not affirm sin but offers a better hope. Scripture reminds us that “There is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). This levels the ground at the foot of the cross. All of us are guilty before God, and when speaking with someone LGBTQ we must be clear that the goal is not to single out their sin, but to show that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Most of us commit sexual immorality either in our thoughts or in our actions, and Jesus said that even lust in the heart breaks God’s law (Matthew 5:28). The difference is not that some are less guilty than others, but that faith in Christ gives us the power to repent, be forgiven, and seek Him.

The Path Forward

The Gospel calls us to walk in both truth and grace. We must not affirm sin, but we also must not forget that it is only Christ who heals sin. Our role is to faithfully bear witness to Him. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

This means listening before preaching, showing compassion before correction, and pointing others to the Savior who alone redeems. A relationship built on trust and love opens the door for truth to be received. As James reminds us, “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

If we love like Jesus loved, and if we hold firmly to His Word, we can help lead those trapped in sin, including LGBTQ, to the freedom that only Christ gives. “So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36).