June 1st commenced Gay Pride Month, which is often shortened to Pride Month for the LGBT community. However, is this really something to celebrate? What does the Bible say about pride? This article will explore pride and the Bible, and more specifically, Gay Pride.
Pride and the Bible
The title of this article alone spells trouble. It spells trouble because it contains a foul word—pride. Pride may not be a dirty four-letter word as we commonly know, but it is still a foul word, especially in the eyes of God.
So, for starters, what is pride? Very simply, exaggerated self-esteem and conceit; excessive appreciation of one’s worth or virtue.
Pride is idolatry. When our minds are filled with pride, we focus on ourselves, leaving no room for God. Anything that takes our focus off God is idolatry. A heart that has pride is at enmity with God.
In the King James translation, pride appears 49 times, all negative. There is nothing good about pride. Prov 13:10 NKJV says, “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.” In Mark 7:21, Jesus said that pride is one of the evil things that come from the hearts of men and defile them.
Sometimes, God provides a loophole, allowing us to do what we want and remain in His will. For example, David desired to build God a house, but God said no because he had too much blood on his hands. But God said his son Solomon could build the house. So David was still able to build the house vicariously through his son (1 Chronicles 22:6-8).
One of the ways pride manifests itself is through boasting. The Scriptures speak against boasting. 1 Cor. 1:26-29 NIV reads:
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
27. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are,
29. so that no one may boast before him. NIV
It is important to note that God called ordinary people to carry out His work in the Old Testament. Such individuals as Moses (Exod. 3), Deborah (Judg. 4-5), Gideon (Judg. 6-8), and many other people of humble origin confirm that success came through His power, not theirs. The foolish and weak can never say that God chose them because of their talent or intelligence. Instead, God chooses those counted as nothing by the world and turns them into great people for Him. People’s abilities, social standing, or knowledge have nothing to do with God’s choice. Skill and wisdom do not get a person into God’s kingdom — faith in Christ does — so no one can boast that their achievements helped them secure eternal life.
Nevertheless, God makes a way for us to boast. In Jer. 9:23-24 NIV, God speaks through His prophet, saying:
23. This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
24. but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. NIV
Many must realize that although God is loving and merciful. He is also holy and just.
In this passage, God pointed out to Jeremiah that there are three widely accepted human sources of boastfulness — intelligence, strength, and wealth. Each turns out to be unworthy of our ultimate trust. So, if we must boast, it is God, and God alone, that is worth boasting about and that we know and understand Him. All other boasting is futile.
Gay Pride
So, June is Gay Pride Month, and there will be a lot of celebration and boasting.
Prov 14:34 says: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” It is righteousness, godliness—that makes a nation great. But sin is a disgrace to any people. Nationwide sin denigrates a nation.
But our nation is exalting sin. Now, for sure, sin is sin, but Gay pride—exalts, promotes, and praises homosexuality—a particularly egregious sin. God’s Word in the Old and New Testaments shams homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22 declares it as an abomination. It carries a particular stench in the nostrils of God.
Romans 1:22 addresses it as “vile affections,” and 1 Tim. 1:10 describes it as “those that defile themselves with mankind.”
Look at what the Scripture says in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 NKJV
9. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
10. nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. NKJV
God does not sugarcoat immorality, paper over lies, or fail to punish unrepented sins.
There is no place in God’s kingdom for homosexuals—period—full stop!
And yet, our nation is dedicating a whole month to gay pride. This month, gay pride will be on display in living color, celebrating homosexuality. Gay…pride, that’s a double indictment—homosexuality and pride all wrapped up into one. That’s double jeopardy. Gay pride is a consequential dynamic.
Gay Pride is not new! As the wise and discerning King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9 in part, “…and there is no new thing under the sun.”
The Consequences of Gay Pride
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah is well known, and look at what the Scripture confirms about that situation in Jude 7
7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
This verse will be addressed further a little later.
But for now, this “strange flesh” mentioned refers to homosexuality; that was only half of Sodom and Gomorrha’s problem. The other half is addressed in Ezekiel 16:49-50
49. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
50. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
This passage brings out the other half of the cause of Sodom’s demise—pride. Notice that pride—listed at the forefront—took Sodom down. This passage reads like the ingredients of a food label; the ingredients are listed in the order of their dominance of the product’s makeup. The first ingredient is the most prevalent.
Likewise, in this Scriptural list, pride is first and foremost. Pride and going after strange flesh became the two main forces that destroyed Sodom.
Here, in these two passages regarding the case of Sodom, we have gay pride, and we see the result. God, as the Scripture reads, “took them away.”
Pride alone is a consequential dynamic. We don’t have to be homosexual to be affected by pride, and it takes nations down. Notice that the Scripture mentions daughters. These were the cities dependent on Sodom and Samaria, respectively.
There is a dear price for a nation to pay that commits abominations before God.
This gay pride is a continuation of the saga of Satan’s assault on the family. He knows that the family is the foundational unit of society, and if he can tear that down, so goes the nation. This assault began with the women’s Liberation and sexual revolution movements and onto the gay rights movements. They are the offspring of the postmodern movement, which has injected a spirit of subjection into society. As a result, everything has been bought into subjection—including truth. It has brought every established tradition and metanarrative into subjection. It has cast doubt on everything believed as solid foundational truth and every institutional belief, including the church. All of these movements equal one word—rebellion.
This nation is shaking its fists in rebellion against God. Satan is undoubtedly strutting his stuff. Just as the Lord uses earthen vessels to spread the gospel, Satan is using earthen vessels to carry out his rebellion, and he is playing them like a fiddle—especially in Hollywood.
A famous Television celebrity said, “I believe that if Jesus were here, He would attend the gay pride parade.” Considering all things, that is probably accurate. Jesus could attend a gay parade, considering what He said when He was questioned about eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Luke 5:31-32] Therefore, while He may attend a gay parade if He were here, it wouldn’t be for the reason that that individual alluded to. He would not have celebrated homosexuality but condemned it with a statement beginning with “it is written,” as He often did so many times.
Another very famous celebrity said, “The god that I serve doesn’t care whether you’re tall, or short, whether you’re born black, or Asian, or gay.”
Amen to that. It must be a blessing for an individual to have their very own god to serve!
Statements are made by individuals that say: God is a God of love, and they believe that as long as two people of the same sex truly loved each other, it was okay with God for them to get married.
These are lies from the very pit of hell—both of them. God loves the sinner, which is true, but he hates sin. God loves the homosexuals, but He hates homosexuality. Therefore, we should encourage removing it, the repentance of it instead of celebrating it.
It raises the question, what Bible are these individuals reading? Prov 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Homosexuality may seem right to some, but it is still a sin, regardless of how society perceives it, and in the end it will be death. Unrepented sin demands God’s wrath!
We are back to the days when “there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25). When morality is all but thrown to the ground and stomped.
Now, society is one ball of confusion. Households are turned upside down, women have challenged men’s roles, men want to be women, women want to be men—men have husbands, and women have wives. Boys want to be girls, and girls want to be boys, and some don’t know what they are or what they want to be.
The Federal Government has added fuel to the fire. Not to make this political, but I would be amiss not to mention this. Fifteen states are suing the government. In 1972, a civil rights law called Title IX was passed. Its original purpose was to protect females from discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational programs and provide them equal opportunities.
However, on April 19th of this year, a change was published by the Department of Education, redefining the meaning of sex to include gender identity. This change gives males identifying as female the right to use female restrooms and locker rooms and join female-only organizations. Under the revised rule, “harassment” can include using biologically… accurate… pronouns.
Schools and colleges that fail to comply stand to lose federal dollars.
This ruling falls under the category of foolishness!
We are living out the Scripture in Rom. 1:22, which says, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
Nowhere is there a more sinister attempt to change thinking than in the matter of the way God created us—male and female.
This article is not politically correct. This political correctness, known as PC, is another tool of Satan and is an existential detriment to society. We must be greatly concerned about what we say, write, or think. We have to be concerned about using the wrong word, a word that may be considered offensive, insensitive, racist, sexist, or homophobic.
It is an insidious, sinister deception aimed to bring about social transformation through dialectical means. It’s an attack on free speech. There are increasing attacks against those who hold views that are not in line with the progressive liberal dogma of today. These views offend the progressives, and they want to stamp out any such speech or information. They seek to tear down and destroy it.
Ironically, freedoms of speech and religion are rapidly being suppressed by intolerance and intimidation by the very ones who protest the most about intolerance.
The PC movement is a tool that involves denigrating authority, destroying the family unit, and controlling speech, behavior, and, ultimately, thought. It is totalitarian in nature and is highly prevalent on college campuses, creating an overly sensitive generation that is offended by practically everything. Yet we wonder why depression and mental illness are so prevalent these days in our young adults. The colossal amount of negative energy is overwhelming the youthful minds of our population. However, the overall intent is ultimately for the nation as a whole and all of Western civilization.
Political correctness is part of a larger agenda at work today. There is nothing innocuous about it. The forces behind political correctness seek a godless world whose goal is to remove the moral underpinnings of an orderly world based on the Scriptures.
Satan wants to have his way. One of his most effective deceptions is to lead us to believe that human reasoning without the Holy Spirit and the Word of God is sufficient. He desires to turn upside down all biblical and traditional values and bring about an amoral, anything-goes world. A relentless attack on normality and morality.
I mentioned earlier that we will see gay pride in living color. The parades with the floats and costumes, the parties and speeches of how far the movement has reached. Indeed, there will be plenty of color! Perhaps too much color as the symbol for the LGBT+ community is the rainbow, which is the symbol of God’s covenant to the world after the flood. It was chosen by the LGBT+ community to display diversity and was considered ideal because it is found in nature.
What apostasy—what fragrant rebellion against God!
Now, how long is God going to allow this to go on? Certainly not forever.
It was mentioned earlier that there would be more on Jude 7. For fuller context, we start at verse 5.
5. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
In this passage, Jude states three examples of rebellion: (1st) the nation of Israel—who, although they were delivered from Egypt by God, refused to trust Him and enter the Promised Land (Num. 14:26-39); (2nd) the angels—although they were once pure, holy, and living in God’s presence, some gave in to pride and joined Satan to rebel against Him (2 Peter 2:4); (3rd) the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah—the people were so full of sin that God wiped them off the face of the earth (Gen. 19:1-29).
Now, the question. If God’s chosen people, the apostate angels, and prior sinful cities were punished, how much more will the rebellious nations of today be severely punished? Israel has been severely punished more so because it knew better; it witnessed God’s presence and power and was the force God used to wipe out ungodly nations. God desired Israel and Juda to be a righteous example to a pagan world. Yet, they turned away from Him and persisted in doing evil until they reached the point of no return. Therefore, God allowed them to be taken captive (Jer. 25:10-11).
Read God’s condemnation adjudication upon Israel in Isa 3:9-10 NIV, “The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.”
We are no better…we are parading gay pride. Today’s our nation has all the examples in the Word of God, and we witness God’s creation and goodness daily. Yet, we are promoting pride and sin.
These are serious times. It behooves all of us to observe the signs of the last days because we are a nation primed for a fall.
Now, to be clear, this article is not against homosexuals but against homosexuality—the promotion and embracing of it. God is a God of love, and He loves us all, including homosexuals. As the Scripture says, “God so loved the world.”
But we must understand—He also hates sin. Scripture also says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Therefore, I say this to all of us, including homosexuals. Whatever sin is in our lives, we’d better move away from it because He won’t allow sin to go unpunished forever.
The clock is ticking, and we must be mindful of the Scripture in 2 Peter 3:9,
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” NKJV
We have seen what has happened to nations that celebrated gay pride in the past.
When a nation allows this level of cultural rot to exist and celebrates it, how long can it stand?
Our nation needs to follow Jeremiah’s cry of despair where it is written in Lamentations 3:40,
“Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;” NKJV
Gay pride is a serious offense, and if this nation doesn’t repent and change, it’s going down just as the other gay pride nations have gone. Prov 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” So we’d better be prepared because it could happen during our lifetime. It was approximately 359 years from the time Israel was led into idolatry to the time of their captivity. God is patient, but He is faithful to His Word. This nation is 247 years old and counting—the clock is ticking.
Let us not celebrate pride and sin of any kind but let us spread and live The Three Angels Messages.
Understand that God will not hold back the four winds of strife forever (Rev. 7:1).
We must remember the Words of our Lord and Savior in Luke 21:36:
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Amen
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings!
This is a very interesting post. My position about matters that seem controversial is that I align with what the bible says about it. The bible contains the will and principles God wants man to live by and it is provided to man as a guiding manual about how to live here on earth. The bible is not for angels, elders etc. in heaven, but for man here on earth. I usually feel more comfortable if I can find an answer to my inquiry in the new testament. While I know that the old testament is the word of God and in it also are embedded the principles of God, I believe that Jesus set for us the perfect example and order in His short ministry on earth as recorded in the gospels and as further expounded in the rest of the new testament. What matters ultimately is not what I think or choose to believe, it is not what I want or prefer, and it is not what is politically correct, but what God’s position is as indicated in the scriptures. This is important because, the omniscient nature of God means that He is not taken by surprise by any of the happenings today. When He was setting out His principles, He had a clear knowledge of what the future would be like, so what seems like new developments or modernization to us today are not new to Him and are not going to change His mind or principles.
On homosexuality, the bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (New King James Version)
9} Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10} nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
Its not about what anyone thinks or feels, It is what the creator of the heavens and the earth has stated that is the final word or position on the matter. It is then up to each person to choose life in Christ or spiritual death by rejecting Him. I can only encourage everyone to choose life.
Thanks for commenting Oluseyi!
HI Nathaniel,
I have to admit, when I first opened your link, I thought the article was about the “pride cometh before a fall” kind of pride discussion. I was not expecting your discussion on PRIDE month and movement. This article presents a thought-provoking perspective on the topic of pride, particularly in the context of Gay Pride Month. It delves into the biblical teachings on pride and homosexuality, offering a strong admonition against celebrating what the Bible denounces as sinful behavior.
While the article emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin, it also raises questions about the societal implications of promoting behaviors deemed contrary to biblical principles. The historical and biblical references provided add depth to the discussion, challenging readers to consider their own beliefs and actions in light of religious teachings.
In considering the themes discussed in this article, how do you believe individuals and communities can navigate the tension between promoting inclusivity and respecting religious convictions?
Blessings,
Scott
Greetings, Scott – Thanks for your insightful question. Inclusion is Biblical; however, when it involves sin, it becomes a problem. Those who desire inclusiveness and tolerance must practice them as well. That appears to be the only way tension can be navigated. Will that ever happen? In reality, no. Those of us who have religious convictions must stand firm against sinfulness (Eph. 6:10), and those who oppose them are not about to back down. Satan knows his time is short, and his assaults will only increase (Rev. 12:12). The ongoing battle (Eph. 6:11-17) between Good and evil will continue until Christ returns. In the meantime, we must pray and stand firm. There is no negotiating with sin, as negotiation involves compromise.
Thanks for commenting, as always!
The Bible also says Proverbs 16:18-20 Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: And whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Pride comes before a fall, this word is dangerous and many who have walk-in pride have had many sorrows so let’s pray that Gd will keep us humble and those who are full of pride will see pride for what it really is and make a change by walking in humility.
Amen Norman – Thanks for commenting!
Hi there
Your article delves into a complex topic with clarity and depth, effectively exploring the nuances of pride as depicted in biblical teachings.
I like how you carefully analize and shed light on the dangers of pride while also emphasizing the importance of humility and self-awareness in the Christian faith.
The incorporation of relevant scriptures adds depth to the discussion, making it both informative and thought-provoking.
Nice piece
Thanks for commenting, Troy
Hi! First of all, I value your convictions regarding this issue with great respect for God’s Word (The Holy Bible). It takes great courage to take a stand for what’s right in a world that celebrates wrong over right and evil over good! It’s evident in the movies, talk shows, and music that are constantly shown on television. It has been a difficult topic for the church to cover because of the price that is involved, for fear of losing attendance, persecution, and even loss of life. I recently attended a church conference covering the facts about sexuality, gender, identity, and the gospel, where the truth was laid out in front of me through the lens of God’s Word, and I was floored. However, this is a very sensitive subject for most people because, like me, I have family members that are involved in this type of lifestyle, which makes it difficult to approach these topics with empathy and understanding because I too hold similar convictions as yourself.
I do believe it’s valuable to engage in respectful dialogue and seek common ground, even when opinions differ. What are your thoughts on finding a balance between upholding our convictions and promoting inclusivity and understanding in love as God commanded us to do? I find your article uplifting like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for your stance on this topic, and I pray many will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Blessings, Jose
Greetings, Jose – we must show compassion and understanding to all sinners. Still, we must stand firm on our convictions and never compromise them, no matter who it involves. Gal 6:1-2 reads, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (2) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” NIV
Thanks for commenting Jose!
This article raises an interesting question: can someone be LGBTQ+ and still follow the teachings of the Bible? There are many interpretations of the scriptures, and I’d love to hear a discussion about how different denominations approach this topic.
I grew up in a conservative Christian household, and the topic of LGBTQ+ identity was never really addressed. However, as I’ve gotten older and studied the Bible more, I’ve come to believe that God’s love is for everyone. Perhaps there are passages that can be interpreted in a more inclusive way.
You could also share a specific story from the Bible that you think relates to the topic of pride or LGBTQ+ identity.
If the article mentions specific scripture, you could ask for clarification on a particular verse.
Be sure to keep your comments respectful, even if you disagree with something in the article.
Greetings, Admin – As pointed out in the article, God does love everyone. Also pointed out in the article is that all of us are sinners and that God loves the sinner but hates sin. This fact is why He wants all
to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
To my knowledge, no Scripture passage addresses the condoning of sin as part of inclusiveness. We must repent of sin for the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom (Prov. 28:13). We must avoid sin as much as we can whenever we can. If you discover such a passage, please inform me.
The article also presents two Scripture passages that poignantly address gay pride and its consequences.
Thanks for commenting!
This article does not condemn individuals but seeks to address the sin of pride and homosexuality according to the Bible. God loves all sinners but hates sin, and the Bible calls for repentance and turning back to God.
As a society, embracing and celebrating sin can lead to severe consequences. The message of repentance and turning back to God is crucial. The Bible’s stance on pride and sin serves as a warning and a call for self-examination and repentance.
It is essential to spread messages of hope and repentance, understanding that God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Reflecting on the fate of nations that have celebrated pride and sin in the past, it’s a reminder that without repentance, the consequences can be dire. Let us not celebrate pride and sin but strive to live according to the principles outlined in the Bible, seeking God’s grace and guidance in our lives.
Thanks for commenting, Richard.
Hi, I read your article and find that it expresses a particular point of view. These days it is commonly accepted to appreciate that there are a diverse set or points of view in society. Personally I do not condemn people based on what was written in the Bible. I respect everyone´s point of view and appreciate that many people will have a different point of view to my own on a broad range of matters, moral and otherwise; and I can accept that, live and let live, Alan.
Thanks for commenting, Alan.
While I appreciate the insights provided in this article, I respectfully disagree with the emphasis on the “total fear God” aspect. As a Christian, I believe in a more forgiving and compassionate approach, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our faith encourages us to extend grace and understanding, embracing the values of love and forgiveness. It is through this lens that we can truly reflect the essence of Christianity and foster a more inclusive and supportive community.
Greetings, Tim – Thanks for commenting!
I want to point out that this is a Biblically-based article, not a feelings-based one. All articles on this website are an exegesis of Scripture, not an eisegesis.
Regarding the “teachings of Jesus Christ,” Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
He also said in John 14:21, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Jesus said that his followers show their love for him by obeying him. Love is more than lovely words; it is commitment and conduct. If we love Christ, we prove it by obeying what he says in his Word.
As pointed out in the article, God loves the sinner but hates sin. Inclusiveness that involves any sin is not Biblically sound or accepted by God or Christ, regardless of how we feel. Therefore, we should not condone it.
Take note of what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11, “…And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” He clearly forgave her but commanded her to sin no more.
He teaches forgiveness, and he also emphasizes righteousness and obedience.
Thanks again for commenting!
I do respect your analysis of this common human shortcoming often exhibited in excess, and I know the Bible is a beautiful book I studied closely as a child growing up in a Christian household. But then, as I got older, I realised that I did not want to end up like my mother, being enslaved to a man or an omnipotent male God! So, I decided to transform my sexuality and love only my own sex! I am gay so I find it difficult that my sexual preferences can be judged by anyone, let alone an invisible wise but often cruel King!
After all, God loves all beings unconditionally, doesn’t he?
Greetings Linda – As pointed out in the article and substantiated in Scripture, God loves the sinner but hates sin. He has given us free will to choose to sin or not, and He has given us His Word, the Scriptures, to guide us. He also holds us accountable for the choices we make. He is the ultimate and only true judge.
Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for sharing this perspective on Pride Month and its connection to the Bible. It’s clear that this is a deeply held belief for you, rooted in your interpretation of scripture.
While I respect your right to your beliefs, I’d like to offer a different viewpoint that many Christians hold.
Love and Inclusion: Many Christians believe that the core message of Jesus is love, compassion, and acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They see Pride Month as a celebration of diversity and an opportunity to show love and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Reinterpreting Scripture: Some scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of the biblical passages you cite. They argue that the Bible’s condemnation of certain sexual practices was rooted in the cultural context of the time, not a universal moral code. They focus instead on the Bible’s emphasis on love and justice for all.
It’s important to acknowledge that there are diverse perspectives within Christianity on this issue. Many Christians see no conflict between their faith and supporting LGBTQ+ rights, while others hold views similar to yours.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to interpret the Bible and form their own beliefs. However, it’s crucial to do so with humility, recognizing that our understanding of scripture is always evolving and that there are different ways of interpreting it.
Greetings, Rich – You are correct; many interpretations of Scripture exist. The problem is there’s only one correct one. When we begin to interpret Scripture according to our feelings and opinions, problems arise. We are either Bible-believing Christians or not. We can’t simply choose what to focus on. While cultures may change, principles do not. God has not changed (Malachi 3:6). If the Scriptures say that an action or activity is wrong…it’s wrong.
There is nothing in our culture that changes sin into something good other than our human motivations, for which we will be judged. We are warned against this in the Scriptures. Isaiah 5:20-21 reads:
20. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! NKJV
Indeed, as you wrote, “The core message of Jesus is love, compassion, and acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” While Jesus accepts all initially (inclusion), He strongly encouraged and still encourages repentance from their sins (Matthew 4:17).
Remember what Jesus said when he healed the invalid man; in John 5:14 it reads, “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: SIN NO MORE, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” Jesus showed this man love and compassion and healed him, and He also warned him to sin no more, or he would be worse off than before.
Another example is what Jesus said to the woman He forgave for adultery. In John 8:10-11 He said, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and SIN NO MORE.”
Even though He showed compassion and forgave her, He commanded her to sin no more.
Jesus never condoned any
sin, including homosexuality, which includes LGBT+, Transgender, etc. The Scriptures in the article illuminate this. Therefore, those who choose to celebrate love and support of this community.…well, that’s their choice. Even so, God does not substantiate it, and it will never be found in His Word—the Scriptures. Regardless of how we feel or what segment of the Scriptures we choose to focus on. We will be judged by our choices (2 Corinthians 5:10).
God is a God of love, righteousness, and justice, and His Word will not return to Him void (Isa. 55:11)
Thanks for commenting!
Hi. I enjoyed reading your information in all honesty.
Although I’m not a huge follower, I remember studying the Bible back in school, and this brought back some memories from those days past.
It is interesting how pride is highlighted as a major issue. Do you think there is a modern interpretation of humility that connects well with today’s challenges?
Looking forward to reading more from you.
Thanks
Chris
Greetings, Chris – There is a form of humility around our beliefs or worldviews known as intellectual humility. It denotes our ability to admit what we don’t know, admit our limitations, express our beliefs non-defensively, and be willing to change our beliefs when provided sufficiently strong evidence. I find that this humility connects well with today’s challenges in that it covers all grounds.
Thanks for commenting!
Wow this is a long article and I don’t know where to start! As an African spiritualist, I can tell you that homosexuality is not accepted because of the law of gender. When you’re on this plane as a woman, you’re here as a receiver and when you’re a man, you’re a projector. Every person going against this divine order is not in alignment with the Most High Creator. This I agree with you. But about PC, it’s also used to say other stuff like racist rants, or harming other groups of people like the disabled. And I will never condone it!
For sure, Angelce, PC, political correctness is a dangerous precedent. The article made that clear.
Thanks for commenting!
Your article on pride and the Bible is thought-provoking. You delved into the different aspects of pride and its implications from a biblical perspective. How do you think we can best cultivate humility in our daily lives while still maintaining a positive self-image? Your point about the importance of community in keeping pride in check surprised me. Do you have any recommendations for specific practices or habits that can help foster a humble and supportive community? Thanks for sharing.
Greetings, Bob – My recommendation to foster a humble and supportive community is to share the truth— Biblical truth. The Holy Scriptures are a gift from God to guide us in the truth and how we are to remain in His will. If more individuals followed this truth, the world would be a much better place full of support and humility. The Ten Commandments alone foster these attributes.
Thanks for commenting!
I found your detailed exploration of Pride and its implications in the Bible incredibly enlightening. The scriptural references and historical context you provided paint a comprehensive picture of how pride is viewed through a biblical lens. This thorough analysis will be immensely helpful for those seeking to understand the biblical perspective on pride and its consequences. Thank you for such an insightful and well-researched article.
Thank you for commenting, Annastasia.
Be blessed!
The topic of Gay Pride Month and its celebration can evoke a wide range of opinions and interpretations, particularly when viewed through the lens of religious beliefs. It is important to approach this subject with sensitivity and respect for differing viewpoints.
Pride Month and Its Significance
Gay Pride Month, commonly referred to as Pride Month, is celebrated in June to honor the LGBT community. It commemorates the Stonewall riots of June 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBT rights. Pride Month is an opportunity for members of the LGBT community to celebrate their identities, raise awareness about issues affecting them, and advocate for equality and acceptance.
The Bible and Pride
The Bible has various references to pride, often in the context of warning against arrogance and self-righteousness. For example, Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” These verses typically address personal behavior and attitudes, cautioning against excessive pride that leads to negative consequences.
Gay Pride and Religious Interpretations
When it comes to Gay Pride, interpretations can vary widely within the religious community. Some religious groups and individuals interpret the Bible’s teachings to mean that homosexuality is incompatible with their beliefs, and therefore, they do not support Pride celebrations. They may view the concept of “pride” in this context as contrary to their understanding of humility and righteousness.
Conversely, many religious individuals and groups have a different interpretation. They believe that the core message of the Bible is one of love, acceptance, and justice. These groups often support Pride Month as a way to affirm the dignity and worth of LGBT individuals. They argue that celebrating Pride is about advocating for equality and combating discrimination, which aligns with broader biblical principles of loving one’s neighbor and standing against injustice.
A Balanced Perspective
It is crucial to recognize the diversity of thought within religious communities regarding LGBT issues and Pride Month. While some may hold traditional views, others embrace more inclusive interpretations. Open and respectful dialogue is key to understanding and navigating these differences.
In conclusion, whether Pride Month is something to celebrate can depend largely on individual beliefs and interpretations of religious texts. It is important to approach this discussion with empathy, recognizing the deeply held convictions on all sides, and striving for mutual respect and understanding.
Greetings, Aparna— You are correct; many interpretations of Scripture exist. However, there is only one correct interpretation. Those who profess Christianity and their belief in the Scriptures should accept precisely what they say.
When we involve our feelings and opinions in our approach to Scripture, that only causes confusion. However, God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). It’s much easier to accept Scripture for what it says rather than exercising futile attempts to compromise it. It means what it says. Those of other beliefs are on their own.
The Scriptures outlined in the article and others are unambiguous concerning this particular lifestyle. It behooves us to follow it for our own good. God is indeed a God of love. God loves the sinner but hates sin. More than once Jesus commanded, “sin no more.”
No Scripture condones the inclusiveness of any sin. Rather, it encourages us to stay clear of sin—all sin.
Further, on inclusiveness, God includes those in His kingdom who obey His Word and His Son. As John 14:23 NIV reads, “Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” God doesn’t ask for our opinions. He asks us to love Him through obedience.
God’s Word is sure, no matter the interpretation.
Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for your site and your information. I think pride is something that we can feel if it is conveyed in a healthy way and not harmful to others. Gay pride: Why not celebrate heterosexual pride? Why do we need to highlight these folks in such a way? I don’t agree with it. I am not a religious person. I live and let live… I have come to accept all folks the way they are, but I do not agree with celebrating one group of individuals and not another. I hope this makes sense.
Greetings, Jose – What you’ve written does make sense. To take it further, why should one group of sinners be celebrated for their sins? No other group of sinners (e.g., liars, fornicators, adulterers, coveters, thieves) are celebrating their sins and forcing their acceptance on society.
The Scriptures levels the playing field. Romans 3:23-24 reads, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
Let’s keep it real! We all need Jesus to save us from our sins!
Thanks for commenting!
You have discussed what is undoubtedly a controversial subject the world over. With the bible as your reference, you have touched on several verses to support the notion that God is against pride. As with many contentious topics, groups and individuals hold their positions with the conviction that they are correct in their beliefs. It would be interesting to hear the other side of the divide, who may also have their convictions and facts to base their arguments. Whatever the position, for or against the pride cause, there will always be as many varying beliefs as there are individuals. I applaud you for tackling this subject with the evidence to support your views. Thank you.
Thanks for commenting, Tandi! Have a blessed one!
I like how this article offers a comprehensive and detailed examination of pride from a biblical perspective, highlighting how it is viewed negatively in Scripture and its spiritual implications. The exploration includes references to both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating how pride leads to idolatry, boasting, and ultimately, separation from God.
While the article covers a lot of ground on the topic of pride, it might benefit from addressing some practical steps for overcoming pride in daily life. For instance, how can individuals recognize and combat prideful tendencies within themselves? What specific biblical practices or principles can help cultivate humility and a God-centered mindset? Additionally, more insights on how communities and churches can support each other in this endeavor would be valuable. These practical applications could help readers not only understand the biblical stance on pride but also apply these teachings to their personal and communal spiritual growth.
Greetings, Don – Those are important topics you mentioned in your response. They weren’t included because of concerns about the length of the article. However, other articles on the website address overcoming pride and sin in general. There is a link to one below.
https://thechristianadvocate.org/battling-spiritual-warfare/
Thanks for commenting!
Nathaniel,
I am torn by your article. To me this is prejudice and you of all people should not be exuding this behavior. Speak on the pride aspect being a sin, but not their sexual preference. When we are born we do not decide who we will fall in love with no more than we decide what race we will be. If it was printed in the Bible that all men of color would not inherit the kingdom of God, would you bleach your skin to become accepted in the eyes of God? Sounds ridiculous right?
I understand and agree with the whole pride being a sin aspect. But when you say that being gay is a sin, that is my issue with most Christians and why I refuse to sit in a room full of them. Being Gay is not a sin, I do not care what you or anyone else says on the matter.
Forever filled with controversy,
Stacie
Greetings, Stacie – You are correct. Bleaching one’s skin to be accepted by God and His kingdom is ridiculous. Thankfully, that is not in the Bible. God is wiser than that; therefore, your example is merely a naïve hypothetical.
While we cannot decide on what race we will be or any other physical characteristic, who we fall in love with is an emotional choice. Throughout the Scriptures, humanity is given a choice to choose the right way or the wrong one (e.g., Deut. 30:19, Josh. 24:15). Choosing to love the wrong or the right one is our personal choice. Suppose we allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions only. In that case, we will not make many wise decisions, and consequences will be experienced. Being led by our emotions yields instant gratification initially but ultimately leads to ruin. Therefore, emotions must be held in check.
To say that being gay is not a sin, but pride is—is laughable. To say that being gay is not a sin is to deny God and His Word (the scriptures). The Scriptures in the article clearly confirm that it is. Perhaps you should reread the article.
Understand that the Bible is not a menu where you choose what is true and what isn’t based on your emotions. It says what it says, and it is—what it is. Refusing to believe the truth doesn’t change it.
BTW the Christians have it right!
To be clear, this is a Biblically-based website, and all articles reflect that fact.
Thanks for commenting, Stacie! It was a fun read.
Be blessed!