Catechism: Living and Loving Like JesusSample

Odds are if you follow Jesus long enough, you’ll end up on the wrong side of some people. Holding firm to your convictions, especially on a topic as controversial as gender and sexuality, can feel scary. To some extent, we should expect that some people will reject us for our faith in Jesus and commitment to obeying him.

Jesus uses the metaphors of “salt” and “light” to explain what it means to live among people who disagree with us – like salt on the lips of unbelievers, they will see us reflecting Jesus and thirst for him. Like light, we will shine, hopefully leading others to Jesus as we represent him.

No matter who God puts in your path, no matter what they believe or how they identify, we know their one and only hope is in knowing Jesus. It can feel like a delicate balance, with love on one side and truth on the other. But those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. We are loving people best when we walk in the truth of who God calls us to be and invite them to experience that same kind of love.

Read: Matthew 5:11-16

Reflection Questions:

• Do you have any friends or loved ones who are struggling with their gender identity? What would a loving relationship with that person look like? How might you share your faith with that person?
• When you encounter people who disagree with Scripture, do you find yourself doubting its truth? If you find yourself questioning God’s design for sex, gender, or any other issue, take those questions to him. Dig into God’s Word and search for answers! Take your questions to a trusted mentor or Christian friend and ask God to open your eyes to his truth.