My beloved siblings, it is a blessing to be in your remote presence with the Spirit of God, to share with you a word from God, and to find strength in our shared journey.  

Today, want us to meditate on the powerful and liberating message found in 2 Corinthians 3:17: "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 

In a world that often seeks to bind and limit us, this verse reminds us of a profound truth: in God, there is freedom. As black same-gender loving men, we know all too well the weight of oppression, the chains of prejudice, and the silence of exclusion.  

Society has tried to define us, confine us, and even erase us. But the Spirit of the Lord speaks a different word over our lives—a word of freedom, dignity, and divine love. The Spirit of God gives us freedom in 3 ways. 

1. Freedom from Oppression 

The Spirit of the Lord is a spirit of liberation.  

In the face of racism and homophobia, we are called to stand tall and affirm our worth. Our identity is not a burden it’s a gift.  

Our existence is not an abnormality but a beautiful expression of God's creative diversity. In Christ, we find the courage to reject the lies that tell us we are less than, unworthy, or unloved. The freedom we receive through the Spirit is the freedom to be fully who we are, without apology, shame, or fear. The Spirit of God gives: 

2. Freedom to Love 

The freedom of the Spirit also means freedom to love—freely, openly, and authentically. In a world that often questions the validity of our love, we remember that God's love is the ultimate standard.  

Our love for each other is a reflection of God's love for us: unconditional, steadfast, and transformative. Whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or our broader community, we are called to love boldly and without hesitation. The Spirit empowers us to build connections, to form families, and to create spaces where love is celebrated and not condemned. The Spirit of God gives:  

3. Freedom in Christ 

Lastly, the freedom we experience in the Spirit is rooted in our relationship with Christ.  

Jesus himself lived a life that challenged the status quo, breaking barriers and reaching out to the marginalized.  

He embodies the radical inclusivity of God's kingdom, where all are welcome and all are cherished. In Christ, we find a friend who understands our struggles, a Savior who redeems our pain, and a Lord who offers us new life. The freedom in Christ is a freedom that transcends earthly limitations and invites us into a deeper, spiritual liberation. 

Conclusion: A Call to Live Free 

As we embrace this freedom, we are called to be witnesses of God's liberating love in the world. Our lives, our stories, and our very being are testimonies to the power of the Spirit. We must continue to fight for justice, stand against discrimination, and uplift one another in love. The journey may not always be easy, but we are not alone. The Spirit of the Lord is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and reminding us that we are free. 

So, my dear siblings, let us walk in this freedom with confidence and grace. Let us celebrate who we are and whose we are. Let us live as people liberated by the Spirit, bearing witness to the truth that wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Amen. 

Thank you for joining me today and I hope you will come back for more conversations on 1st Sunday.