5 Lessons From the Gospel of John for LGBTQ+ Christians & Allies

The Gospel of John isn’t just an ancient text, it’s a living story that meets us right where we are, inviting us to embrace our full selves and discover God’s love in new ways.

Whether you’re exploring your faith, seeking community, or longing for a space where every part of your identity is welcomed, the lessons from John offer wisdom and encouragement for the journey. Here are five powerful ways these texts can empower and inspire us today, no matter where you’re starting from.

Embracing New Beginnings

John’s stories of spiritual rebirth (like the conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-9) remind us that our faith journeys can include powerful new starts, encouraging us to integrate all parts of our identity—spiritual, emotional, and authentic self—without shame.

Valuing Experience and Lived Truth

The distinction between “knowing” by seeing versus “knowing” by living (explored in John 3) empowers us to trust both our experiences and our faith, affirming that our lived realities matter deeply to God.

Seeking and Offering Radical Inclusion

Jesus’ interactions with outsiders, like the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26), demonstrate that no one is excluded from grace and belonging. These stories empower us to create and seek out communities where everyone, no matter their background, is welcomed and valued.

Courage to Take Risks for Love

The Gospel highlights characters who step out in faith, even when it’s risky or countercultural. (Think, the Royal Official in John 4:43-54, the Samaritan Woman, or even Jesus, himself.) Their stories encourage us to take bold steps to live authentically, love courageously, and advocate for justice, even when it feels vulnerable.

Trusting in Transformative Grace

John’s message of wild, in-breaking, expansive grace shows that God’s love isn’t limited by tradition or expectation. For example, John 5:1-18 tells us a story about how Jesus heals on the sabbath, which was frowned upon by the religious leaders of the time, illustrating that sometimes God moves in ways that are beyond our understanding. This story empowers us to expect transformation, healing, and acceptance in our lives—reminding us that God is always moving toward us with compassion and surprising grace.

Next Steps

Want to discuss these themes and more in community? Join one of our Bible Study Community Groups!

This fall, we have a group focused on John 3-5 and we would love for you to be a part of the conversation. You can learn more about all of our fall seasonal groups and more at the link below.