Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.—John 8:32
John 8:32 is one of those verses that lingers. It doesn’t rush us. Jesus speaks about truth as something we come to know—something lived into over time. For LGBTQ+ Christians, that truth often unfolds differently depending on where we are, who surrounds us, and what safety allows.
Some of us live openly and honestly in the world. Others remain closeted, carefully guarding parts of themselves. Many of us move between the two—out in some spaces, quiet in others. Jesus’ words hold all of that. He does not say, “Declare everything at once and you will be free.” He says, “Remain in my word.” Freedom grows from relationship, not performance.
Truth, in Scripture, is not merely disclosure. It is integrity. It is living without denying the image of God within us. The psalmist writes, “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts” (Psalm 51:6). That inner truth may be fully expressed outwardly—or it may be something you are still learning to honor within yourself. Both can be faithful.
For those who are out, John 8:32 can be a reminder that freedom is not a one-time achievement. Living truthfully requires ongoing courage—especially when the world still questions your dignity or your faith. Staying rooted in truth means resisting the temptation to shrink, soften, or spiritualize away who you are for the comfort of others.
For those who are closeted, this verse is not a condemnation. Silence can be survival. Privacy can be wisdom. Jesus never demands vulnerability where it would cause harm. Truth can exist even when it is held quietly. God is not fooled by appearances, and God is not offended by caution.
What Scripture does challenge is hatred—especially when it is taught as holiness.
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.—1 John 4:20
That verse speaks outwardly, but it also speaks inwardly. If the faith we’ve inherited leads us to despise LGBTQ+ people—or ourselves—then something has gone wrong. Love of God and love of people are inseparable. That includes the person you are becoming.
Proverbs reminds us, “Truthful lips endure forever” (Proverbs 12:19). Truth lasts. It does not need to be forced. It does not expire because it is not spoken yet. And Jesus himself says, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Truth is not an argument to win; it is a presence that walks with us.
Whether you are out, closeted, or somewhere in between, the invitation is the same: do not live at war with yourself. Do not believe that God requires your erasure. The truth that frees us is the truth that affirms our humanity and calls us into love.
Wherever you are today—visible or hidden, confident or uncertain—God is not asking you to rush your story. Freedom grows where love is allowed to breathe. The truth Jesus speaks of does not strip us of safety or dignity; it leads us, gently and faithfully, toward wholeness.
As an aside, when I took Spanish in high school, we had to learn a different Bible verse in Spanish every week. The first one we learned and the only one I can still remember is:
Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida
—Juan 14:6
10 comments:
Today marks the start of the week for Christian unity.
Christians' unity ? Surely not in USA where their Christians are more divided than ever. Must ask them what is it to be a real Christian?
For the truth, with such a wide spread of lies, USA is going on a bad path leading to division and hate.
I am maybe pessimistic but looking on what is going on on our south of the border, we Canadians are afraid of the outcome of such violence and division in the States.
If we shun our friends, they will side with our enemies. Here I am alone with my misery and gin.
From what I read, the northern states, Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada are suffering from lack of tourists from north of the border. Many blame political turmoil and policy that makes them no longer feel welcome or safe. How do we change policy?
I live close to the north and in my town several restaurants and stores have closed as well as a ski area because of lack of cross-border shopping. How is Vermont feeling the pinch?
I live in Montréal and at less of one hour from the US border.
Many Canadians, with what is going on in USA and all those more and more restrictive Trump's policies are no more interested to go and visit your country.
This is the case for many other countries like the ones in EU or other countries where black people live in.
For sure many are going back like in Florida for winter but also some are selling their condos.
Must say that this is also the case like an American old gay couple friends of mine who owned a condo in Florida who sold it because of the politic of governor Ron DeSantis and all what he did against LGBTQ people.
As Joe's sermon is all about «truth», in USA this value seems to be less important as lies are spreading more et more.
Jack, Vermont is suffering, but maybe not as badly as some other states. I can go in stores in Burlington and hear more French being spoken than English. Of all the states that border Canada, Vermont is by far the most liberal. Even though we have a Republican governor, he’s a good man, and he hates Trump. If he wasn’t a Republican, I’d vote for Phil Scott, but he won’t leave the Republican Party.
C'est très triste cette division entre chrétiens pour des raisons politique . Espérons qu'au prochaines élections ils se mettrons d'accord pour mettre Trump hors d'état de nuire . L'Europe veut garder le Groenland .
This division among Christians for political reasons is very sad. Let's hope that in the next elections they will agree to remove Trump from power. Europe wants to keep Greenland.
Minds can be changed in bed.
Amo al chico de la foto
Ángel
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