For so long I was angry at God for being gay for the death of my best friend (suicide because he was gay) I had no relationship with Him. Then I had a stroke on the anniversary of my friend's death. In one moment everything was erased, to the point where I didn't even know I was gay. I finally went back to church, completely lost, still angry at God, though I didn't know why. Later I found out by examining my internet browsing history and that I had porn addiction. I had to reconcile myself to God, and he helped me grieve for my friend (he was my first love), even going so far as to tell me about his brother and his name. God knew I was gay all along and that I loved my friend. He never condemned that (despite false teaching that said otherwise) and helped me heal my broken body and my broken soul. God is good! Love you David! Miss you!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I definitely went through that same phase of "Oh, I just don't lust after women because I'm a good Christian." Little did I know! Haha It's always great to hear that we're not alone, especially when attitudes within the church can make us feel unwelcome. And you did that in such a funny, lighthearted way!

So sad this is still a thing in America. Like, this is the debate/issues my country had 30 years ago. And now my city has had a lesbian bishop and everything.

You’re so relatable thanks Justin! I’m currently reading Torn and I’m looking forward to reading more of your work!

Hey Justin can you also interview LGBT people who had Near Death Experience and what they saw on the other side?!

I wish I had found your channel when I was 13 and struggling with my feelings for guys, or when I was 18 and came out to my parents, or when I was 19 and homeless, or when I was 25 graduating from college... but at least I found you now.

I really like how you edited this, Justin. Thank for all you do. I see you. 🙂

I'm not a Christian, I am a student of Vedanta. But I was moved by your talk. It seemed to end prematurely on the question where do we go from here. Is there a part two to this somewhere? If so, I'd love to hear the rest of it.

Thanks for you testimony. It comforts my heart. What matter most God's perfectives to His children. I only believe God's alone and He loves same as the straight people. This is not my choice but this is how God design me. I am a child of God, poor lost sinner but now SAVED BY HIS GRACE

It's a comment that stands true through everything: we can agree to disagree about pizza toppings, not civil rights. As a bi person who grew up in the Nazarene Church, with Pentecostal ministers for grandparents on one side and a pretty thoroughly Catholic family on the other side...yup, it is a hard and lonely journey with many twists and pitfalls along the way. (Oh, things you realize when you're 14!) I still struggle hardcore with the church, but much of that comes down to one of my college majors being Religious Studies. You learn a lot of things REAL FAST in that department.

This is a great watch. Highly recommend.

No matter what opinion one lands on, if one has to land on one, the absolute imperative is that one crates an environment where one can be open first. This is the gospel, that we are allowed to stop judging each other, and thus not be afraid of judgement. God loves all. Difficulties are not a mistake God made, nor is apparent failure, it's part of the story. It's all good. The gospel allows us to accept it all, while knowing we have not deserved anything. Love cannot be earned. Earned love is not love at all. Our job is not to weild moral law over each others heads. Our job is to realise Christ is in all, in the sufferer, in the sinner, in the rich and in the poor, in that silly political opponent, and relate to the world as if that really is true. We don't have to, but we are allowed to listen to Him. He might tell different people different things and lead them on different paths. We are allowed everything. But He gave us this freedom because He loves every one. He still suffers with us. We are not separate.

great speech!

Justin...I need help on becoming celibate...please reach out to me

Sexuality isn't a choice, but bisexuality does present a choice.

I believe it is not sinful to be gay and marry, but I don't think this is something that any church can take lightly. There're many people who think they're gay due to trauma, sin or pride, but they're actually straight, hence all the "Jesus saved me from homosexuality" articles and videos. Like I said, I don't believe homosexuality is a sin, it's a nature, but it has to be taken seriously. Church elders should put a filter up before they accept every 'gay' person.

Why are they condemning gay in fact there was none in the scriptures telling woman who lies with woman.. Or woman who share lust with woman.. The only word there is unatural.. If it pertains with a woman and woman why not spicifically mention.. Right? Bible is specific with man and man but why not for woman?! I mean being gay/homosexual is just part of that person because the reality they are still male and female..only people labeled them gay/lesbian.. The difference is what they feel in their body which is not a choice.. They can still love God/love others and do what is good.. Sad they are generalizing people.. There many gay/lesbian good people than straight.. Why are they making opposition on this called "sin" but there are more other sins that most heterosexual do..why they are not battling with it? There are premaritals/divorce/adultery/drunkenness.. But there are few church directly condemning this people..