Well, it’s June. Which means the rainbows are out in full force, on cereal boxes, burger wrappers, sneakers, social media logos, and probably even your toothpaste. Pride Month has officially arrived. And like clockwork, the world is doubling down on the “live your truth” campaign, while expecting the rest of us to clap along or stay quiet in the corner.
And let me be honest, I’d love to stay quiet. It’d be easier. Less awkward. Less . . . cancel-y. But if we believe in the Jesus of Scripture, the one who doesn’t just hand out inspirational quotes but actually calls us to die to ourselves, then staying quiet isn’t an option.
Not because I want to yell at anyone. But because I love people too much to pretend that affirming everything equals love. It doesn’t.
The World Says “Be True to Yourself”
Jesus Says “Die to Yourself”
Let’s just start here: culture says the highest form of truth is how you feel. You want to identify as a cat, a rainbow, or a spiritual unicorn? Go for it. “Your truth” is sacred, and the only sin left is telling someone they might be wrong.
But Jesus? Jesus isn’t handing out gold stars for self-discovery. He literally says:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” - Luke 9:23 (ESV)
That’s not exactly pride parade material. Jesus doesn’t tell us to “embrace our identity.” He tells us to lay it down. And that message might not trend, but it’s the one that actually saves.
Rainbow Marketing ≠ Real Love
I want to be real here. I’m not mad at anyone wearing rainbow gear or waving a flag. But we need to see what’s going on: big corporations love to jump on the Pride train. Not because they care about people, but because it’s good for business. Love has become a marketing gimmick.
But love - the real kind - isn’t always shiny and affirming. Sometimes, love says the hard thing.
If I saw someone walking toward a cliff and just yelled, “You do you!”, that’s not love. That’s negligence.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” — Proverbs 27:6
If we really love people, we’ll tell the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if we get labeled as bigots. Even if it costs us likes or followers.
We’re Not the Moral Police
But We Are the Light
Here’s the balance: our job isn’t to go around condemning everyone who sins differently than we do. We’re not the morality patrol. We’re witnesses to grace.
Jesus didn’t cancel the woman at the well. He didn’t throw a stone at the woman caught in adultery. He met people in their mess, spoke truth, and offered them a better way.
That’s our job too.
Truth + grace. Compassion + conviction.
No compromise—no cruelty.
So, What Do We Actually Do During Pride Month?
You don’t need to go pick a fight on Facebook. (Please don’t. The comments section is not a spiritual gift.)
Here’s what we can do:
▪︎ Be in the Word daily.
▪︎ Speak truth when God opens the door.
▪︎ Don’t applaud what God calls sin—but don’t mock people either.
▪︎ Pray for those walking through confusion, hurt, or identity struggles.
Live in such a way that people see the difference Jesus makes.
The world doesn’t need another loud opinion. It needs hope. And if you’ve got Christ, then you’ve got something worth sharing.
A Final Word (If You’re Struggling)
If you’re someone wrestling with identity, sexuality, or just feeling like you don’t belong anywhere—this isn’t a message of shame. This is a message of hope.
Jesus isn’t afraid of your questions. He’s not surprised by your past. He’s not standing at a distance with His arms crossed.
He’s near.
He sees you.
And He calls you to something greater than pride: freedom.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
If you’re tired of chasing empty promises and want to experience real truth, love, and grace - I invite you to meet the only one who offers it all: Jesus.
👉 https://www.emberfaith.org/ready-to-know-jesus
