The Approach Matters

The Approach Matters: Honoring Scripture with Wisdom, Care, and Christlike Love

The Power of Approach
It all comes down to approach. Scripture is more than a collection of ancient texts—it’s the sacred story of God’s relentless love for humanity. Yet how we handle it matters. As followers of Christ, we are not only called to read and study the Bible with reverence—we are also called to approach it with humility, discernment, and love.

Warnings Within the Word
Scripture itself warns us about misusing it. Paul instructs Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Peter warns that some twist scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). And Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for weaponizing the law while missing the heart of God.

The Harm of Mishandling
Misusing scripture to judge, exclude, or control others is not only harmful—it’s unholy. We've seen how verses pulled out of context can be used to condemn LGBTQ+ people, uphold racism, justify abuse, and silence women. That’s not the gospel. That's not Jesus. When scripture is handled without love, it becomes a weapon instead of a balm.

Jesus as Our Lens
Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Every time we open our Bibles, we must ask: Does this interpretation reflect Jesus? If it doesn’t look, sound, and love like Him—it’s time to reconsider how we’re reading it.

Reading with a Christlike Heart
We’re called to wrestle with scripture. To study. To pray. To listen deeply. But also, to remember that the ultimate command is love: love God, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). Scripture should not be used to shame or separate. It should call us toward justice, mercy, humility, and grace.

Our Calling as LGBTQ+ Believers
For LGBTQ+ Christians—especially those in ministry—this matters even more. We've experienced the damage of scripture weaponized against us. But we’ve also seen its power to heal, to affirm, and to draw us deeper into God’s embrace. We’re not called to fear the Bible—we're called to engage it with courage and care, reclaiming its truth through Christ.

Let’s Handle It Well
We must become people who handle the Word with wisdom and with love. People who speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). People who seek understanding, not domination.

Let’s be the kind of believers who know the power of scripture—and never forget the power of love.

What’s Your Take?
Have you ever experienced scripture used to hurt or to heal? How has your own approach to the Bible changed? Share your thoughts below—or reach out to tell us your story.

Want to dive deeper?
Explore more reflections and resources at PrideFaithVoices.online.

Because how we handle scripture isn’t just a practice. It’s a reflection of who we believe God really is.