Inclusion
In the Church
Verses that Encourage
1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
Those who don't accept LGBTQ individuals will often quote the "clobber" passages from the Bible - 4 passages from the Old Testament and 3 passages in the New Testament. However, there are over 370 passages in the New Testament that are encouraging to all people, including the LGBTQ community. How does that compare? When wondering if those who identify as LGBTQ are loved by God, I encourage you to read and ponder these verses that apply to you and to your LGBTQ friends and family members.
1 Thess 3:12-13 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
1 Thess 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
1 Thess 5:9-10 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
1 Thess 5:10 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thess 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.
1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
1 Thess 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thess 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
2 Thess 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thess 3:5 And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thess 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
2 Thess 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
1 Tim 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Tim 4:4-5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
1 Tim 6:11 But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
1 Tim 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Tim 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
2 Tim 2:11-12 For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
2 Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Tim 2:24-25 but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
Titus 3:5-7 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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Philemon 1:7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
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Next Verses: James and Hebrews