Two Questions Christians Need to Ask About LGBTQ+ and the Church

Let me start by asking you two questions. Don’t answer them right away — just let them sit with you for a bit:

1. Could our attitude toward same-sex relationships be stopping Christians from having a healthy, loving relationship with the LGBTQ community?
2. Should Christians “get with the times” and shape church in a way where everyone — including the LGBTQ community — feels welcome?

These aren’t small questions. For years, the tension between Christianity and the LGBTQ community has caused division — not only outside the church but within it too. Some Christians hold firmly to the belief that homosexuality has no place in the church. Others, including parts of the Catholic Church and some evangelical groups, take a more accepting view.

So why the clash? And how do we make sense of it as followers of Jesus?

The Culture Clash: Faith Meets Identity

Whenever we talk about gender, sexuality, or identity, we’re not just talking about “issues.” We’re talking about real people — people made in God’s image, people who sit beside us at work, share a meal with us, or even sit in our pews on Sunday. That’s why this conversation matters.

The LGBTQ community and their supporters often argue that gender identity isn’t tied to biological sex. Instead, they believe gender is something you define for yourself, a social construct shaped by how you feel or how you want to be seen.

For example, someone might be born biologically male but choose to identify as female — or even as non-binary, somewhere in between. And pronouns come into play too. A person might prefer she/her pronouns, even if they don’t identify strictly as female.

The Bible, however, speaks clearly about God creating humanity as “male and female” (Matthew 19:4). This isn’t just about biology — it’s about God’s design. No matter how culture shifts, Scripture points us back to two core identities: male and female.

Sexuality: Who We Love

Next comes sexual orientation — who a person is romantically, emotionally, or physically attracted to. Today’s culture increasingly promotes the idea that “love is love” — that gender doesn’t matter when it comes to who we choose to love.

Some see sexuality as fluid, something that can change over time. But the problem with this worldview is that it embraces lifestyles Scripture warns against. Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10, ESV)

This isn’t about singling out one group of people. Paul lists multiple sins here, reminding us that all sin separates us from God. The good news, though, is found in the very next verse:

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (v. 11)

What Does God Think?

It’s easy to focus only on how the LGBTQ community feels about gender and sexuality. But what about God?

The Bible tells us that we are created by God and for God (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13). Our identity isn’t something we construct for ourselves — it’s given to us in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

That’s why Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

The LGBTQ worldview may see identity and love as self-defined, but Scripture reminds us that God defines both. When we create our own definitions, we drift from His plan.

The Hard Truth About Sin

The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat this: homosexuality is described as sin (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:27). Scripture uses strong language like “abomination” to show how serious God views it. That may sound harsh, especially when culture says, “There’s nothing wrong with it.” But God’s standard for holiness is higher than society’s standard for acceptance.

This doesn’t mean Christians are called to hate or condemn people. Far from it. The same God who names sin also sent His Son to rescue us from it.

God Is Love — Not “Love Is Love”

Culture says, “love is love.” But the Bible says something deeper: God is love (1 John 4:8).

True love isn’t just about feelings or desires — it’s about God Himself. If someone in the LGBTQ community encountered God’s love, they’d discover something more real, more lasting, more fulfilling than any self-defined expression of love.

Do Christians Hate Homosexuals?

There’s a narrative out there that Christians hate people in the LGBTQ community. But genuine, Bible-believing Christians don’t hate — they grieve over sin the same way God does.

Christians see homosexuality (along with many other sins) as something that separates people from God. And because God desires none to perish (2 Peter 3:9), we want people to experience salvation in Christ. That’s not hate — that’s hope.

Yes, some believers have been harsh or judgmental in their approach, and that has caused deep wounds. But Scripture calls us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to give an answer for our hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15–16).

Back to the Two Questions

So let’s circle back.

1. Is our attitude toward same-sex relationships preventing Christians from having a loving relationship with the LGBTQ community?
2. Should Christians “get with the times” and make church seeker-friendly for all, including the LGBTQ community?

These aren’t easy questions. But here’s the takeaway: Christians must hold to truth and love. We can’t compromise what Scripture teaches, but neither can we withhold compassion and grace.

The gospel is for all people. Jesus died for every sinner — including you, me, and every member of the LGBTQ community. Our calling is to represent Christ faithfully: standing firm in God’s Word, while reaching out with open hands of love.