4 Bible Passages to Help Shape a Christian Response to Pride Month

The Bible is not silent about the inevitable trials and persecution that would face the disciples of Jesus — after all, the world hated Him before it hated us (John 15:18). Nevertheless, to glorify God and advance the kingdom, we are called to stand firm in the truth of the gospel by entering the narrow gate and pursuing life and truth in the Lord Jesus Christ.

June, a month marked by the beginning of humble summer activities such as swimming, barbecues, and beach days, is now also marked by the celebration of LGBT pride. What do Christians do when the streets are covered in rainbows? Where do we go when coworkers who identify as gay or lesbian or transgender bring their ideology into the workplace? How can we love without supporting what the Bible clearly prohibits? These are quandaries Christians face on a regular basis. A month dedicated to gay pride only exasperates the matter. 

When facing persecution, trial, or temptation, it is vital to turn to Scripture. Considering Pride Month, let us turn to the word to understand how Christians can think about responding in ways that demonstrate salt and light while not compromising biblical values:

1. Mark 12:31 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

God cares deeply about our relationships. A mark of the believer is love, as Paul writes about. In Romans 12:9, he says, “Let love be genuine.” In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul states, “So now faith hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” This only scratches the surface. As we consider how to respond to what happens before, during, and after Pride Month, we must first consider how our responses should demonstrate the love of Christ. Responding in love is not the same as advocating for the LGBT definition of love. God knows our hearts more than anyone. Strive to genuinely loving our neighbor, and trust that God knows where such love comes from.

2. Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” 

John 8:32 says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The Bible also says that the word is truth (John 17:17.) This should help shape our thoughts about the celebration of Pride because our responses should be grounded in sharing biblical truth. Bearing false witness is not telling the truth, and if Christians allow the lost to live in their sin while holding back what the Bible says, we are not loving our neighbor. We may not be able to soften the hardened heart, but it is our obligation to boldly share the truth. Those who identify with the LGBT community need the truth just as much as Christians.

3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?”

All unrepented sins, homosexuality included, have eternal consequences. American evangelist Dwight L. Moody said, “I cannot preach on hell unless I preach with tears.” Christians must acknowledge the privilege of being born again, by the grace of God, into eternal life. Those walking in darkness are subject to eternal death. Only through the blood of Christ do we gain this reward. Even though no one deserves paradise in heaven, I would not wish the lake of fire upon even my worst enemy, nor should any Christian. Therefore, we should not wish it upon the lost within the LGBT community.

4. 1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Washington Stand Staff Writer Joshua Arnold said, “Remember that some in the church struggle against same-sex attraction or gender identity; we should show compassion to them, and not cause them to stumble.” Moreover, while many Christians do not struggle with same-sex attraction, all Christians are tempted by something — be it pride, lust, idolatry, financial folly, slothfulness, substance abuse, or covetousness. The list goes on. We all have demons to face, and our sins were not meant to be compared. When we deem someone else’s sin as “worse” than our own, it is a form of justification. In the sight of God, no sin is excusable. Why else do you think Jesus had to die?

Without God’s saving grace, Christians, too, would be dead in sin — beaten and miserable slaves to the world. As we approach Pride Month, remember those still living in sin and celebrating destructive ideologies are still ignorant and shackled to the chains of death. So, let us love our neighbor by proclaiming the truth in all circumstances. Let us genuinely desire for them to experience the love and truth of God that leads to freedom. Do not take for granted that we were once lost and are now found.