Where should we, as Christians, stand on gay marriage?

Quick answer

God designed marriage to be a covenant between one man and one woman, and the Bible clearly teaches that same-sex relationships and gay marriage are outside of His will. As Christians, we are called to stand on biblical truth with courage and compassion—loving others without affirming sin and always pointing them to the hope and redemption found in Christ.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God created marriage to be a covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting His image and purpose, and the Bible consistently defines anything outside of that—including gay marriage—as sin. Jesus affirmed this design in the New Testament, and passages like Romans 1:26-27 make clear that same-sex relationships contradict God’s created order. While the world may accept gay marriage, Christians are called to stand on God’s truth, not cultural reasoning (1 Corinthians 1:18-20). At the same time, we must respond to others with kindness and grace, showing love without compromising biblical truth. Our mission is not to win debates but to lead people to Christ with both courage and compassion.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

God created man and woman and instituted marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, designed to reflect His image, demonstrate His love, and fulfill His purpose for unity, intimacy, and the foundation of family (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:24). Any sexual relationship or marriage outside of this is sin.

Scripture consistently defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24 says: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” According to the Bible, God does not recognize gay marriage as a legitimate union.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus affirmed the definition of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing that marriage is a divine institution rooted in the complementary design of male and female. Gay marriage, therefore, may be accepted by the government but is not a valid marriage in God’s eyes.

Romans 1:26-27 describes same-sex relations as contrary to God's created order, calling them “dishonorable passions.” Since same-sex relations are a sin, gay marriage is a sin as well.

First Corinthians 1:18-20 helps us navigate where we as Christians should stand on gay marriage: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” Although the world will tell us that “love is love,” and it reasons that "If two people love each other, they should be allowed to show it, " Christians need to allow God’s Word shape our stance on gay marriage.

Same-sex marriage is a distortion of the biblical model and is not honored by God as true marriage. At the same time, God offers forgiveness and grace to all who repent, recognizing that gay marriage is a sin and against God’s good design of sexuality and marriage (2 Corinthians 5:18).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

As followers of Christ, we are called to respond to all people—including those in the LGBTQ+ community—with both truth and love. This means showing genuine kindness (1 Corinthians 13:4), speaking truth with grace (Ephesians 4:15), and pointing others to Christ in love when they are caught in sin (Galatians 6:1).

If someone you care about is involved in same-sex relationships or supports gay marriage, ask God to guide your response. Don’t compromise on biblical truth but don’t be harsh or condemning either. Jesus modeled a posture of compassion and healing—kneeling beside the broken, calling them to wholeness, and saying, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Loving someone does not mean affirming everything they do; true love points to the life, hope, and holiness found in Christ.

If you live in a society where you can vote or speak up, do so with wisdom and humility—seeking to uphold God’s design for marriage while always remembering that our ultimate battle is for hearts, not headlines. Politics is not our Savior. Even if the government recognizes same-sex marriage as legal, that does not mean God does, and it does not mean that we cannot uphold what God says. Instead of being driven by outrage or fear, our actions must be motivated by the desire to lead others into a saving relationship with Jesus. Remember, our goal is not to win arguments but to win souls—with a love that is both courageous and compassionate.

UNDERSTAND

God created marriage to be between one man and one woman.

The Bible clearly teaches that same-sex relationships and gay marriage are sinful and not recognized by God, even if they are legally accepted by society.

Christians are called to speak truth with love and compassion—upholding God’s design while pointing others to Jesus.

REFLECT

How does your view of God’s design for marriage affect the way you respond to society’s acceptance of gay marriage?

Where do you struggle to balance standing for biblical truth with showing Christlike compassion toward those in the LGBTQ+ community?

In what ways are you more focused on proving your point rather than pointing people to the hope and redemption found in Jesus?

ENGAGE

Why is it important for Christians to uphold God’s definition of marriage even when it conflicts with popular opinion?

How can we as Christians speak biblical truth on gay marriage in ways that reflect both courage and Christlike love?

What are some practical ways we can support those who experience same-sex attraction while remaining faithful to God’s Word, character, and purposes for marriage?