As we celebrate Pride Month, a time dedicated to embracing the LGBTQ+ community and their journey toward equality and acceptance, I find myself reflecting deeply on the pervasive fear and hatred that often mar this celebration. Year after year, I witness a disheartening trend: much of this animosity comes from individuals who identify as Christians, followers of Christ. This incongruity between faith and hate is both troubling and perplexing.
One of the most profound aspects of Christ's teachings is His unwavering message of love and acceptance. It is essential to understand that Jesus never spoke against homosexuality. The term "homosexuality" itself didn’t appear in any Bible translation until 1946, when it was inserted into the Revised Standard Version. This editorial choice has since influenced countless interpretations and doctrines, but it does not reflect the original texts or the life and teachings of Jesus.
Moreover, many point to the Old Testament laws to justify their stance. However, Christ himself fulfilled the old law, as stated in Matthew 5:17: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." With this fulfillment, He ushered in a new covenant centered on love, grace, and forgiveness.
Christ’s command to us is clear. In John 13:34-35, He says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This directive leaves no room for hatred or judgment.
As a pastoral psychotherapist, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that love and acceptance can have on individuals struggling with their identity and faith. Conversely, I have also seen the devastating effects of fear and hatred, often perpetuated by those who claim to follow Christ. It is a painful irony that those who are called to love unconditionally can sometimes be the source of deep hurt and rejection.
In Romans 13:10, Paul writes, "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." This verse underscores the essence of what it means to be a Christian: to love our neighbors as ourselves, without exceptions. To sin against our neighbor by rejecting them based on their sexual orientation is to contravene the very core of Christ’s teachings.
This Pride Month, I call upon my fellow Christians to reflect deeply on the commandment to love. Let us move beyond fear and hatred, which stem from a place of misunderstanding and ignorance. Instead, let us strive to embody Christ’s message of unconditional love and acceptance. Let us open our hearts and minds to the diversity of God’s creation, recognizing that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, is made in the image of God and deserving of love and respect.
In closing, I urge you to consider these words from 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." As followers of Christ, let us seek perfection in love, casting out fear and embracing our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters with the love that Christ has so freely given us.
May this Pride Month be a time of reflection, acceptance, and, above all, love. We are all part of God’s family, and it is only through love that we can truly honor Christ’s teachings and create a world where everyone is valued and celebrated.
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