I have come to realize that “truth” always remains true regardless of whether it is expressed in “love” or not.  In the same sense, “love” does not remain “love” when it acts contrary to God’s eternal “truth.”  Thus, any sexual immorality that is practiced, allegedly “in love” but against God’s communicated “truth.” is and remains sin.  In other words, it is evident that “truth” always trumps “love;”“godly love” is always and ever based on “God’s truth.”

In life we find certain truths we need to be frequently reminded of because they are primary and a matter of life and death, especially spiritual life or death.  Such a truth relates to the oft-repeated balance between “truth in love.”  For instance, Ephesians 4: 15 states: “. . . but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Today the focus and emphasis on emotions, such as “love,” is very strong.  Churches and Christians rightly wish to be known by their “love.” That is definitely biblical, and it seems to be taking over many Evangelical and Reformed churches.  In fact, in many of my personal writings I have strongly emphasized the need to speak “the truth in love.”

Lately, however, and due to a crisis in my denomination, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), I’ve been challenged due to a critical issue relating to sexual immorality.  It’s been an issue in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) as well.  It is no longer an issue in the Presbyterian Church, USA, as they have long ago prioritized consideration to love while forsaking biblical “truth” to the winds.  Who doesn’t recognize this in our culture that emphasizes, where love and consent are involved, everything is okay?  That, of course, is not what God says or his divine revelation reveals.

This critical issue is involved as it is related to ordaining same-sex sexually attracted church officers, i.e., those who are candidates for ordination as well as those already ordained, all of whom promise to be and remain celibate.  These ministers and elders also prefer to identify as SSA (but who conviniently omit the descriptive term “sexually” from their attraction).

Due to the various debates in the church related to this issue of same-sex sexually attracted church officers, I have been forced to a deeper consideration of the notion of balance between truth and love.  I have been surprised by my more recent conclusion.

I have come to realize that “truth” always remains true regardless of whether it is expressed in “love” or not.  In the same sense, “love” does not remain “love” when it acts contrary to God’s eternal “truth.”  Thus, any sexual immorality that is practiced, allegedly “in love” but against God’s communicated “truth.” is and remains sin.  In other words, it is evident that “truth” always trumps “love;”“godly love” is always and ever based on “God’s truth.” 

This means that homosexual desires and passions harshly defined as sin in Romans 1: 24-32 remain sin even if not acted upon.  It appears evident that men or women identifying with SSA but celibate are not qualified to be church leaders, whether as teaching elders, ruling elders or deacons.  They are held to the highest standards of holiness, purity, and righteousness.

It is my prayer that the EPC will ensure it remains faithful to God’s “truth,” and that it will do so in “love.”  In the course of this debate, “truth” must be the victor out of fidelity to God and His Word.  May the simple “truth” become clear to all just as it’s always expressed in an order, that is, “truth in love” and “truth and love.” Truth is always primary, and as such it will be expressed in love.

Helen Louise Herndon is a member of Central Presbyterian Church (EPC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She is freelance writer and served as a missionary to the Arab/Muslim world in France and North Africa.