The Question:
➣ How should gays, lesbians, trans, and other people be treated?
The Answer:
Every person, regardless of orientation or identity, is made in the image of God, endowed with feelings, the capacity for pain, and the dignity inherent in human life. This demands that we treat them with the same respect and care we would offer to any neighbour. Such treatment does not require compromise of moral or spiritual truths. Speaking the truth in love, guiding them with gentleness, offering help in times of need, and never abandoning them are marks of Christian charity (Eph. 4:15; Matt. 22:39).
Christians are called first to examine their own lives. We may illuminate the path with words, but our primary task is to live faithfully, seeking union with God, making amends where we have erred, and preparing to give account before the Lord (Rom.14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10).
"Do not be irritated either with those who sin or those who offend; do not have a passion for noticing every sin in your neighbour, and for judging him, as we are in the habit of doing. Everyone shall give an answer to God for himself. Everyone has a conscience; everyone hears God's Word and knows God's Will either from books or from conversations with other people. Especially do not look with evil intention upon the sins of your elders, which do not regard you; 'to his own master he standeth or falleth.' Correct your own sins, amend your own life" (St. John of Kronstadt).
In sharing the Word, if we are met with anger or opposition, our response must be love, approaching others as peacefully as doves (Matt. 10:16). How we treat the least of His people, our neighbour, and even those who oppose us, shall be considered in the Judgment (Matt. 25:40). Christians are not called to destroy or harm but to love, extending patience and kindness to friends, relatives, strangers, and even enemies (Rom. 12:20-21; Lk. 6:27-28).
"A man who is wrathful with us is a sick man; we must apply a plaster to his heart — love; we must treat him kindly, speak to him gently, lovingly. And if there is not deeply-rooted malice against us within him, but only a temporary fit of anger, you will see how his heart, or his malice, will melt away through your kindness and love — how good will conquer evil. A Christian must always be kind, gracious, and wise in order to conquer evil by good" (St. John of Kronstadt).
This teaching applies equally to those who do not share our faith. Love, patience, and goodness possess the power to soften hardened hearts. May God bless you and guide you into union with the loving Creator (Psm. 34:18; 1 Pt. 3:15).
YOU ARE READING
LGBT+ and the Church
SpiritualThis book will be addressing the LGBT+ issues and the Church. The primary chapters will discuss God's design, the sin and reasoning, and more, and will eventually begin going into a question series. In the question segment, it will address questions...
