Last weekend was the Durban Pride parade. It was a colourful and vibrant day. The weather was gorgeous and the multitudes were out in full force, celebrating our diversity as the LGBTI community. As we marched down the streets of the CBD, people hung out their buildings' windows and cheered us on.

We can walk the streets, “out and proud” of how God intrinsically created us, because there is no shame in being gay or lesbian. We can celebrate humankind’s kaleidoscope of diversity as part of God’s creation.

I didn’t always feel that way; I remember when I felt ashamed of being gay, as though being different meant there was something wrong with me. It was my “dirty little secret” and I certainly wouldn’t be parading down the streets about it. 

But then the Holy Spirit began to minister to me through Romans 8:1-2:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV)

When I began to reconcile my faith with being gay, it was an arduous process. It took some time for the ‘head knowledge’ to sink down into my spirit. After all, I had spent years trying to be straight – so it made sense that it would take some time for God’s unconditional love to become a reality in my heart.

I am convinced that belonging to a church which affirmed me as a gay Christian made all the difference in my journey. God led me to DGFC, where I was surrounded by love and encouragement.

I soon discovered that being an inclusive and affirming church isn’t about watering down scripture or compromising the gospel of Christ. Actually, the opposite is true; knowing what the Bible really says, and doesn’t say, about homosexuality is a matter of life and death spiritually for LGBTI people and their loved ones.

I could now be honest in a charismatic church about my sexuality, without the fear of being forced to change into something I’m not! I finally discovered what it felt like to belong in a church, to have found a spiritual home – it felt more like being part of a family.

God is good, and is calling us to be an unashamed people, who know our identity in Christ, and who know that we belong.

Blessings
Tirone Nel
Worship & Web Ministry – DGFC