From balconies to buses, T-shirts to storefronts, the word “pride” is in all places in June. For some Christians, this month stirs up emotions starting from anger and discomfort to sorrow and confusion.
But quite than responding with condemnation or retreat, this text offers something else: a prayerful redirection toward Jesus Christ, the one One who can bring clarity, healing and truth.
Truth with Love
Christians are called to talk truth but all the time in love, with the aim to accumulate, not tear down (Ephesians 4:15). Scripture is evident on sexuality: any expression outside God’s design for one male and one female in covenant marriage is sin (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11). These will not be arbitrary rules, they’re a part of God’s loving design for human flourishing.
Pride: Dignity or Deity?
Scripture never condemns human dignity. In fact, it proclaims it: we’re all made within the image of God (Genesis 1:27), fearfully and splendidly formed (Psalm 139:14).
But dignity becomes distorted when it turns into deity. This is the pride that Scripture warns against (Genesis 3:5-6; Isaiah 4:12-15; 1 John 2:16; Proverbs 16:18), the basis of all sin: once we crown ourselves as the ultimate authority on who we’re, what truth is, and what love should appear to be.
So, phrases like ‘Born this manner’ or ‘Love is love’ can morph into creeds that elevate self above God, who’s love and truth (1 John 4:8; John 14:6), leaving no room for His lordship, and no need for a Saviour.
From Shame to Healing
Many LGBTQ+ persons are hostile towards Christianity because they associate it only with condemnation. Others still consider in Jesus but wrestle deeply with tips on how to reconcile their faith and sexuality. Some feel abandoned. Others feel invisible.
Yet the Gospel doesn’t flatten our identities. It orders them. It reminds us we’re invaluable, yes, but additionally fallen (Romans 3:23); broken by pride and sin. And yet, by the mercy of Christ, we’re redeemable (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5).
God’s purpose is rarely to shame, but to heal and restore (John 3:17; Psalm 147:3). His conviction just isn’t cruelty; it’s kindness that results in repentance (Romans 2:4). Jesus humbled Himself in order that we is likely to be lifted up (Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9).
He touched lepers, welcomed outsiders, and spoke to those society had silenced (Matthew 8:2-3; Luke 19:5-7; John 8:10-11). He calls the unseen by name (John 10:3).
That same Jesus still sees, still loves, and still invites every one into His grace and truth (Revelation 3:20).
The Path Forward
The cross just isn’t a weapon of judgement; it’s a bridge of grace.
To those reading this – whether you discover as LGBTQ+, are walking alongside someone who does, or are simply wrestling with tips on how to reply to Pride Month – here’s the invitation: hold each mercy and truth.
Celebrate the dignity of every one as an image-bearer of God. Surrender the impulse to define ourselves other than Him, following the instance of Jesus (John 5:30). Transform slogans into soul-searching prayer: From “love is love” to “Lord, teach me to like the way in which You love”; from “born this manner” to “God, how have You formed me and what are You forming me into?”
Pride without God results in break. But identity rooted in God results in redemption, rebirth and resurrection.
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