Ever wonder about what Jesus on homosexuality would be in this world with so many views? It seems like the world these days has a lot of thoughts on just about anything. Political correctness has never felt so present, and with so many beliefs, viewpoints, opinions, and feelings, it can be hard to discuss some of the more touchy topics so openly.
Take homosexuality for example. Oregon bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein were sued and later forced to pay a $135,000 fine in 2013 after refusing to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex lesbian couple, based on their religious beliefs in God. The legal battle robbed them blind and effectively forced them to close up shop.
In a similar case, a Colorado baker continues to make headlines after he refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple based on religious beliefs. It’s sparked widespread debate around the issue and has sent the case into a years-long legal battle which analysts believe will set the tone for future cases.
The world has a lot to say about homosexuality. Some people believe that the baker should have sucked it up and just made the cake, rather than losing so much time and money fighting a politically correct battle. Others stand behind the baker, saying his faith takes precedence over the wants of said customers.
And this is just one example of the heated controversy surrounding this culturally sensitive topic. We can all have an opinion, but ultimately the bible is very clear on how Jesus views homosexuality.
We’ve compiled a list of 7 Must-Read Articles for Christians that dive deeper into what the Bible teaches us about homosexuality.
1. 5 Things Jesus Would Say to the Gay Community
Many Christians, when talking about homosexuality, have a tendency to explain it almost like some unforgivable sin, when in reality, it’s just sin. We’re all sinners, and there’s no scale on which we rank for the weightiness of our sins. But even with that in mind, many believers often make it seem like God just goes around condemning homosexuals in disgust.
In fact, I believe it’s just the opposite.
I believe Jesus sees all of His people—homosexuals, heterosexuals, those who are purple, black, orange or blue—in the same light. His heart breaks for those who are both near and far from Him, and His grace speaks volumes.
We often preach homosexuality out of the Old Testament, where we find written laws that some translate to teach against homosexuality. In the Old Testament, we also see a seemingly vengeful God. His people had betrayed Him time and time again, and there was crime and punishment in ways that changed through the coming of Jesus Christ.
Through the gift of His only son, we see in the New Testament just how loving, relatable, generous, and faithful the Lord is. May we cling to that character of God when we speak of Jesus on homosexuality and what he would say to the gay community.
2. What Jesus Would Say to a Homosexual
I think if we are to live like Jesus, we must also love like Jesus. Jennifer Clarke’s article, “What Jesus Would Say to a Homosexual” is teaching us just that.
In 1 John 2:6 it says “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” And Y’all, that’s a heck of a lot easier said than done.
Sure, it’s easy to live like Jesus and love His people, when they have the same views and beliefs as you. It’s easy to love fellow Christians who voted for the same candidate as you. But how about those who don’t know Jesus, aren’t held to the same standard and don’t live life like you do?
Jesus came, not to call the righteous, but the sinners. Throughout His ministry, the son of God ate dinner with tax collectors (lying cheats) and sinners of all kinds. He defended the woman at the well—a prostitute, and He spoke truth over each of them when no one else did.
He loved them and showed grace and mercy in all circumstances. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. So it’s not about what Jesus would say to a homosexual, it’s what do WE, as Christians say to a homosexual.
3. “It’s Not Gay to Straight. It’s Lost to Saved”: Lesbian Reveals How God Radically Transformed Her View of Homosexuality
Here’s the thing, there’s a hefty difference between loving God’s people for who they are (and who God created them to be) versus loving them like Jesus.
When Emily Thomes first came out as a lesbian at 15 years old, she expected people to love her for who she believed God created her to be. It led to a twisted and inaccurate picture of God’s Truth, His perfect love, and a justification of Emily’s sinful actions.
Through a life-changing Bible study, Emily’s life was radically changed, and she turned to God’s Truth, rather than her own justification of what she believed of herself.
“People say to me all the time, ‘I was born this way.’ I say ‘okay yeah me too,’” says Emily of her romantic affections toward women. “You’re not born with right affections. That’s why Jesus had to come. You feeling a desire to sin just proves you need grace like me. It’s not gay to straight, it’s lost to saved. God calls us not to heterosexuality but to holiness. Even though the world would paint a totally different story about what sexuality is and isn’t, God’s word is clear, and He can save, and He does…and He will.”