Recently, a Jacksonville church asked members to sign a statement on biblical sexuality. Ever since, they have received overwhelming local and national news coverage, most of it negative.  

But, as Pastor Heath Lambert clarified: “Every church out there has a position regarding LGBTQ+ issues.” Some are “open and affirming,” some are “cautious and quiet,” some are “judgmental and rejecting,” and some seek to be both “faithful and loving.” 

[T]he fact of the matter is that there is nowhere to hide on this issue. … Any church that is cautious and quiet won’t be able to stay that way for long. … The right side of history and the blessing of Christ belongs to those who are faithful and loving in these days.  

He’s right. Loving our neighbor is hard, and we won’t get any points for ambiguity. Instead, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “let love be genuine.” And genuine love won’t lie just to be liked.