Live And Let Live?

Would Jesus really say 'live and let live'?! 

I never read that in the Bible.

Promoting LGBT in the name of tolerance is not a biblical concept, or that Jesus ever promoted.

While I don't judge others challenges for who or where they find themselves in life, including those in the LGBT community, I do recognize absolutes as far as standards presented in Christianity. It continues to be a controversial subject concerning human sexuality and gender expression. Religion and humanism seem to have contrary views on this subject. 

Here's a theological summary to consider.

Did Jesus ever teach the concept of "live and let live"?

The phrase "live and let live" isn't directly quoted in the Bible, but the concept is partially reflected in some of Jesus’ teachings—though with some differences.

"Live and let live" usually means letting others do what they want without interference, even if you disagree. Jesus, however, took a more active approach to love, truth, and righteousness. Here's how his teachings compare:

1. Judgment and Mercy

Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV): "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged."

This is often seen as a "live and let live"-type statement, but Jesus was talking more about hypocrisy and harsh judgment, not about ignoring right and wrong.

2. Loving Your Neighbor

Matthew 22:39: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This encourages respect and kindness, which aligns with the spirit of letting others be.

3. Calling Out Sin, Gently

Jesus didn’t shy away from confronting sin, but he did so with love and often in private (e.g., the woman caught in adultery – John 8:1-11). He told her, “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Not “live and let live” in the hands-off sense, but rather merciful and redemptive.

Summary:

Jesus taught love, mercy, and not being judgmental, which aligns a bit with the spirit of "live and let live," but he also called people to repentance and a transformation changed life, which goes beyond that concept. His approach was loving engagement, not passive tolerance.

Many of us are guilty of offering a quick “How are you?” without taking time to build deeper relationships. Even unintentionally, we can become so absorbed in our own lives that we forget to reach out and genuinely care about how others are doing or what they may be struggling with. But Scripture calls us to something more.

From the beginning, God emphasized the importance of community. When He created Eve, it was to provide Adam with a companion—a partner comparable to him (Genesis 2:18: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”). This shows that meaningful connection has always been part of God’s design for humanity.

Hebrews 10:24–25 also reminds us of the need to stay engaged with one another: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.” True community requires time, intention, and involvement.

“Live and Let Live” Discourages Exhortation and Evangelism

The modern “Live and let live” mindset says we shouldn’t interfere in other people’s lives—even if we know they’re heading in a harmful or sinful direction. But the Bible tells a different story. It calls us to care enough to speak truth in love and not turn a blind eye.

Galatians 6:1 says: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” Likewise, Ezekiel 33:8 warns of the danger of silence: “If I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them... I will hold you accountable for their blood.”

And of course, the Great Commission makes evangelism a clear calling: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19). We are not called to passive tolerance but to loving, courageous involvement.

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It’s important to clarify something: while we’re called to care for others, it is not our place to condemn them. Judgment in the sense of final condemnation belongs to God alone—the Supreme Judge (James 4:12). However, Scripture does call us to exhort, warn, and lovingly correct—especially within the body of Christ.

Ezekiel 33:1–11 paints a powerful picture of this responsibility. God describes the role of the watchman—someone who sees danger coming and sounds the alarm. If the people ignore the warning, their blood is on their own hands. But if the watchman stays silent, he will be held accountable. Verses 6–7 say:

> “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet... his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand. So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman... therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”

As followers of Christ, we are all watchmen in a way. We are charged with warning others about sin and its consequences—not from a place of superiority, but from a place of love and obedience.

The philosophy of “Live and let live” tells us to mind our own business. But how can we fulfill our calling if we embrace that mindset? How can we proclaim the truth of the gospel or call others to repentance if we believe it’s not our place to speak?

Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19–20:

> “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

And Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:15 that we are to “speak the truth in love”, helping the body of Christ grow and mature in unity and faith.

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) further urges us:

> “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another…”

That word “admonish” means to caution, advise, or urge—to lovingly redirect a fellow believer when they’ve strayed.

We are not called to be passive observers of others’ choices, especially within the Church. We are called to love people enough to speak up, to point them back to Christ, and to help them walk in the fullness of relationship with Him.

As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold and reflect His truth — to live by the moral standards revealed through Scripture, not as a means of judgment, but as a light that guides us toward freedom, purpose, and wholeness. These standards are not burdens, but invitations to become who we were truly created to be.

Yet, we must never forget: every person is on a journey. We all wrestle with weakness, wounds, and questions. None of us has arrived. So when we speak of God's ways, we do so not to condemn, but to lovingly point toward a better way — the way of grace, truth, and transformation.

To those whose lives may not align with Christian teaching, we say this with sincerity: you are loved. You matter. You were made with purpose and beauty. We do not judge you, for we too have fallen short and continue to rely daily on God's mercy.

Our desire is not to change you with force or fear, but to bless you with hope — that you would discover the fullness of who you are in God’s eyes, and that in time, you may come to walk in the richness of His design for your life. Until then, we walk beside you with love, not above you in pride.

So, what do you think about “Live and let live”? Does it line up with what Scripture teaches, or is it a mindset we need to challenge? Let’s talk about it in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!