By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
I’m a Christian. I’m a Conservative. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, not a suggestion, not a cultural relic, but the truth. And, though it is admittedly very difficult to do at times, I also believe deeply in loving my neighbor – all of them – unconditionally. That includes the LGBTQIA+ community.
Let’s be honest: Pride Month brings up tension, especially for those of us who don’t support the ideology or the prurient displays often celebrated in public forums.
But disagreement is not hate. Conviction is not fear. And rejecting a behavior doesn’t mean rejecting a person.
If I’m going to be consistent with my faith, then I have to love people – really love them – even when I believe they’re sinning. I’m called to love the person, not approve of the behavior.
This isn’t just about homosexuality.
I hold the same view of heterosexual sins: adultery, premarital sex, pornography – all of these are also sin according to Scripture. No one gets a pass. The call to repentance is universal. So is the need for grace.
Let me also make this personal: I struggle with gluttony. I love food. I overeat, and I eat poorly. I’ve used every excuse – “It’s genetic,” “It’s just how I’m built,” “I’ve tried, it’s hard,” “I don’t have time.” I’ve even said, “Why would I choose to be this way?”
But deep down, I know better. I have choices. I have responsibilities. I’ve fed my appetite rather than controlled it. And while my particular sin isn’t sexual, it’s still sin. It’s still rebellion against self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit.
So when I hear someone say, “I didn’t choose this desire,” I get it. I really do. But desire isn’t destiny. We’re all born into brokenness – not wholeness. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why we need Him. Not to affirm us, but to transform us.
And here’s something else I won’t ignore: I’ve had LGBTQIA+ friends who have been kind, generous, thoughtful, and some of the most decent people I’ve known. Neighbors, coworkers, teammates, classmates, family members. People I’ve trusted and shared life with.
And like every group, there are also some who’ve treated others poorly. But that’s not a reflection of the whole – just as the worst Christians or politicians or cops or CEOs aren’t the true reflection of those groups either.
America was founded on a principle that matters more than ever right now – e pluribus unum – “out of many, one.” The freedom to disagree, to believe differently, to live alongside each other without the need to dominate one another ideologically.
I don’t want my Christian beliefs imposed on others by force – that’s not how God operates. But likewise, I reject the growing pressure to affirm beliefs I don’t share. Mutual respect is a two-way street.
So here’s where I stand:
- I will not celebrate sin, mine or anyone else’s.
- I will not call something righteous that Scripture clearly calls sin.
- I will not hate, demean, or exclude anyone because of where they are or what they struggle with.
- I will strive to live in peace, speak truth in love, and walk humbly – just as my Lord commands.
If you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community and you’ve felt hated by Christians, I’m sorry. That should never have been your experience.
But know this: some of us are trying to walk the very difficult and narrow road – not of compromise, not of condemnation – but of conviction with compassion. I love you. I do not affirm your choices, just as I don’t affirm my own sinful appetites. But I will stand beside you as a fellow human being created in the image of God.
There is room in this country for truth, love, and freedom to coexist. And I’ll keep fighting for that – for all of us.
C. J. Garbo is a regular contributor to the Rocky Mountain Voice, known for his constitutional conservative perspective and extensive leadership in cybersecurity, politics, and public safety. He also serves in ministry as Choir Director at Calvary Castle Rock, where he is an active member. His past ministry roles include leading choral music at GracePoint Community Church in Littleton and Corona Presbyterian Church in Denver. Earlier in life, Garbo was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before embracing a Bible-based Christian faith.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.