In Part 2 of this series, we wrestled with some of the most common objections and questions people raise about what the Bible says on homosexuality. We saw that Scripture speaks with both clarity and compassion: calling sin what it is, while also holding out hope in Christ.
But the conversation can’t stop there. At its core, this isn’t just about behavior or identity; it’s about the gospel. The heart of Christianity is not rules but redemption. And the good news is that no matter our past, our struggles, or our desires, Jesus meets us with both truth and love.
In this final part, let’s explore how the gospel offers hope to all of us and how Christians can respond with both conviction and compassion.
The Heart of the Gospel: Redemption for All
This conversation isn’t ultimately about rules, identity, or behavior; it’s about redemption. At the center of the Christian faith is not a list of sins, but a Savior who died to rescue us from all sin, yours, mine, everyone’s.
Same-Sex Attraction Is Not the Unpardonable Sin
Let’s be clear: same-sex attraction is not in itself a sin. We all experience temptation in different ways, whether it’s anger, lust, envy, or fear. It’s what we do with those desires that matters.
And even for those who have acted on those desires, there is grace.
There is no special category of “too far gone” in God’s eyes.
Jesus did not die for the mostly righteous, but for the guilty: all of us.
The Gospel Applies Equally to All
Whether someone struggles with greed, pride, pornography, self-righteousness, or same-sex sin, the gospel doesn’t discriminate. Romans 3:23 reminds us that:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
And the good news is just as inclusive:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13
This is not about singling anyone out; it’s about the shared human condition and the unshakable hope of the cross.
Washed, Sanctified, Justified
One of the most beautiful, powerful passages on this comes from 1 Corinthians 6:9–11. After listing a variety of sins: sexual and otherwise, Paul offers this gospel-soaked statement of hope:
“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.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11, ESV
“Such were some of you.”
Not “such are some of you.” That’s the hope of transformation. Not perfection, but a new identity and a new direction.
In Christ, There Is a New Beginning
No matter what your past holds or your present struggle, there is room at the foot of the cross for you. Jesus doesn’t just forgive; He restores. He doesn’t just wash away shame; He gives you a new name, a new heart, and a new purpose.
If you’re reading this and feel torn between your desires and your faith, know this:
God sees you. He loves you. And He has made a way for you, just like He did for every other sinner who’s ever come to Him in need.
A Real-Life Example: Faithfulness in the Struggle
While living abroad, I had a dear churchmate who stood before our congregation one day and said something I will never forget:
“Yes, I’m gay. And every day is a struggle. But I know that I do not sin by feeling this way. What makes me sin is if I act on it.”
He shared how he avoids going out at night, because he knows that’s when temptation tends to strike hardest. His discipline wasn’t driven by shame, but by a deep love for Christ and a desire to walk in holiness, even when it’s hard.
His courage reminded us that temptation is not sin; faithfulness is possible, even when the battle is daily.
This is what grace looks like: not perfection, but a surrendered heart choosing obedience, one day at a time.
How Should Christians Respond? Truth and Love
Talking about homosexuality and faith isn’t just about theology; it’s about people. Real people. Loved by God, created in His image, and walking through very real struggles, questions, and desires.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be people of both truth and love (John 1:14). Never one without the other. So how do we respond rightly to our friends, churchmates, neighbors, and even to our own internal wrestlings?
Let’s begin with the heart of Jesus.
To Those Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction
You are not invisible. God sees you. He knows your story, your longings, and your struggles, and He loves you deeply.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…” — Hebrews 4:15
Temptation is not sin. Walking in obedience may feel lonely at times, but you are not alone. Jesus Himself was tempted, yet without sin. He offers you not only grace to forgive, but also strength to endure.
If you’ve been hurt by the church or shamed into silence, please know: your value is not diminished by your battle. You are not defined by your feelings; you are defined by the One who made you, died for you, and calls you His own.
To the Church: Be a Safe Place for Truth and Grace
The Church should be the safest place for someone to say, “I’m struggling.” Sadly, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, fear of rejection or misunderstanding keeps people in the shadows, when what they really need is compassionate truth and authentic discipleship.
We must not celebrate sin, but we must also never forget that every believer is a sinner saved by grace.
A healthy church walks with people, whether they’re battling lust, addiction, pride, or same-sex desires, not by lowering the standard, but by lifting up the cross.
Let us speak truth boldly and gently. Let us listen well, pray much, and welcome all who are seeking to follow Jesus, even when their path looks hard.
To All Christians: Examine Our Own Hearts First
Before we speak into anyone else’s life, we must look honestly at our own. Jesus’ words are still true:
“First take the log out of your own eye…” — Matthew 7:5
If we’re quick to condemn others while excusing our own gossip, greed, unforgiveness, or secret sin, we’ve missed the heart of the gospel.
We are all in need of grace. And we are all called to extend it.
Let’s approach every conversation not with superiority, but with humility. Not as people who have it all together, but as beggars who have found bread and want to share it.
A Word on Singleness, Celibacy, and Christian Community
For many believers who experience same-sex attraction and desire to honor God, the call to faithfulness often means a life of singleness and celibacy. That’s not easy in a culture that idolizes romantic fulfillment.
But singleness is not a second-class calling.
In fact, Jesus, the most fulfilled human who ever lived, was single. And Paul calls it a gift (1 Corinthians 7:7). Faithful singleness, empowered by God’s grace and surrounded by deep, intentional community, is a beautiful picture of devotion to Christ.
The Church must do better at being a family, a real spiritual family for those walking this road.
No one should have to choose between obedience and isolation.
Conclusion: Holding Truth and Love Together
In a world of shifting standards and loud opinions, God’s Word stands steady and unchanging. It doesn’t shame us; it invites us into a better story: not of condemnation, but of redemption.
Same-sex attraction is not beyond the reach of grace. Neither are gossip, greed, lust, or pride. Every one of us stands in need of a Savior, and praise God, we have one.
Jesus meets us where we are, but He never leaves us there. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. And He promises that those who lose their life for His sake will truly find it (Matthew 16:24–25).
💡 So, what will you do with this truth?
- If you wrestle with same-sex attraction, hear this: God loves you. He does not call you to walk in shame, but to walk in trust. Obedience may be costly, but Jesus is worth it. You are not alone.
- If you are part of the Church, let this be a wake-up call to embody both grace and truth; to walk with people in their struggles, listen well, and point them to Christ with compassion.
- And if you’re reading this with skepticism, I urge you to pause: have you truly grasped the gospel that saves sinners like me and you? The cross levels the playing field. None of us comes to Jesus without grace.
🙌 Invitation: No matter your story, Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom, and new life. You don’t need to clean yourself up to come to Him. You just need to come.
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Friend, let today be the day you stop hiding, stop striving, and start trusting. He is faithful. And He is enough.
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Recommended Resource for Going Deeper
If you want to learn more about how to balance grace and truth in conversations around sexuality, I recommend the book Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach. It’s a heartfelt and practical guide for Christians who want to love like Jesus without compromising biblical truth.
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Messy Grace: How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction
By Caleb Kaltenbach Raised by LGBT parents, Caleb Kaltenbach was very familiar with some Christians’ attitudes toward gays, based on the hatred and bitterness often directed toward his family. As a student, Caleb began attending a Bible study and youth group intending to challenge Christianity. But the more he learned about Jesus, the more he wanted to know—ultimately leading to his conversion. Ironically, Caleb became a Christian teen “coming out” to his gay parents. In Messy Grace, Caleb shares his journey of showing love to his family and the LGBT community while holding firmly to the truths of Scripture. He also offers practical advice for Christians navigating real relationships in the balance of grace and truth. Includes Reflection and Discussion Questions for personal or group study. |