A Perspective Shift

Yes, sin is part of the human story. But sin is a result of our fallen world, not who we are at our core. Especially for those of us who believe the promise of salvation. Ezekiel 36:26 echoes this promise of transformation: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” We aren’t called to stay mired in shame. We are invited into spiritual renewal and growth.

Framing people’s worth around sin keeps us from seeing them as image-bearers of God and it robs us of the grace we ourselves need.

This isn’t just poetry, it’s God’s promise of the New Covenant. The Holy Spirit fills all who believe more than we can possibly understand, as Ephesians 1:13–14 reminds us.

I understand this perspective shift may seem subtle, but I believe it can have a profound impact in how we relate to others. Especially LGBTQ believers. dentity in God

LGBTQ People Are Not Defined by Sin

Many LGBTQ people in church are taught from a young age that who they are is sinful. That they are inherently broken, in need of fixing, or on a path to hell simply because of their orientation. This is spiritual violence. It leads to depression, shame, and tragically, increased suicide rates among queer people. (Link to stats post)

Those who push this narrative are perpetuating injustice in this world. Scripture never says that being LGBTQ is sinful.

Most reputable biblical scholars agree there are two primary views on homosexuality in the Bible:

1. That same-sex sex is sinful, based on traditional interpretations. This camp generally believes gay believers should live a celibate life.

2. That the few verses which mention same-sex acts are referring to exploitative, coercive, or pagan ritual practices and not loving, consensual, covenantal relationships. This camp generally believes committed relationships are acceptable.

These views are known as Side B and Side A theology, respectively. Faithful Christians hold both views. If you’re unsure of which camp you fall in, read my series on the passages that speak on homosexuality. (Link to category)

For many, Side A and Side B beliefs aren’t just about sexual ethics. They reflect deeper questions about what it means to live faithfully, how we understand covenant, and how we define identity in Christ. These aren’t casual conclusions, they’re the result of prayer, study, and seeking to follow Jesus with integrity.

Discernment Isn’t the Enemy of Faith

I’ve met many Christians who, like me, grew up with black-and-white teachings. We were told that if the Bible says it, that settles it. But here’s the truth: faithful Christians have never agreed on everything. We’ve disagreed on slavery, remarriage, women in leadership, war, baptism, spiritual gifts and yet we’re still the church. All 45,000 denominations worldwide.

Romans 14 and Acts 15 both show the early church wrestling with how to remain united despite deep theological differences. Paul urged believers to make room for one another especially on issues that weren’t core to salvation.

So when someone says, “You can’t be a Christian if you’re gay,” I want to ask: What are we centering our faith on Christ or control?

The Spirit Still Speaks

I’ve seen the Spirit at work in my life. In my prayers, in the ways I love others, in the peace I’ve found walking in truth. Jesus said we’d know people by their fruit. And I see beautiful fruit in the lives of LGBTQ Christians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

That’s not sin. That’s the Spirit. Alive today, guiding all of us (John 16:13).

What If We Started With Imago Dei?

What if the church began by seeing people as image-bearers first, not as sinners, rebels, or problems to be fixed?

What if we started with grace, not judgment? (like that one guy, Jesus, taught).

What if we trusted the Spirit to be at work in the lives of LGBTQ people just like everyone else?

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Be well,
David

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Leviticus 18