The word “spectrum” is being used with increasing frequency to describe a wide variety of interpretations regarding human sexuality. An alphabet soup of choices on the sexual spectrum is being displayed, even encouraged, as valid choices for people to make. While the representations of diversity on that sexual spectrum can in some cases be explained as a biological anomaly or because a depraved culture at some point in history, accepted such representations as the norm, it does not mean those interpretations are on God’s original spectrum of intent.

God’s spectrum representing His original intent for human sexuality is narrow. It is a spectrum that represents who we were created to be at birth representing a biological man or woman, “So God created human beings in his own image. In his image he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This carries over into the issue of a marriage between a man and a woman. That relationship is a representation of Christ and the Church. Paul wrote, “This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one” (Ephesians 5:32). 

A demand is being put forth that requires our acceptance of what is considered acceptable on the ever-widening spectrum of human sexuality. The widening sexual spectrum represents the confusion that comes when people want to become their own small “c” creator taking the liberty to redefine God’s created purpose to fit their own desires. 

Only when we understand the narrow spectrum of God’s truth, as represented in Scripture, can we honestly and truthfully love those trapped in the confluence of emotional instability, spiritual deception, and in some cases, mental illness. The great temptation is to let our offense at such choices remove us from being part of God’s redemptive plan.

Our greatest impact will come when we are able to extend mercy to those trapped in a personal delusion. Only the truth can set people free, not our unhinged emotional response of disgust. Hell will try to inflame our rejection of people who use increasingly garish displays of human brokenness. This is an attempt to get us to turn away from those who need the love of God to help them see and experience the truth of God.

Extending mercy is not an abdication of truth. It is an expression of the same kind of love that motivated Jesus to love each of us while we were still trapped in our own sin and confusion. It’s a mercy worth investing in because it will triumph over everything else we try to do to reach people living within the prison of a confusing spectrum.