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Answer
Since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17;Romans 5:12), sin has brought heartache and suffering to people. Diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases, are among the consequences of sin. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is not inherently worse than any other disease. However, the circumstances surrounding the contraction of the disease determine how an individual must address it.
Not all sexually transmitted diseases are acquired through sinful behavior. Many innocent spouses have tragically discovered their partner’s infidelity only when a doctor diagnoses them with a disease. When a Christian acquires an STD from a spouse, the sense of betrayal is profound. Not only must the adultery be addressed, but the innocent party has been afflicted with a preventable disease through no fault of their own. Feelings of grief, anger, pain, and sorrow are all understandable reactions upon learning of such a breach of trust. While medical treatment is essential for physical healing, seeking guidance from a qualified biblical counselor can also be beneficial. Forgiveness is essential whether the marriage endures or not. Pardoning those who have harmed us liberates us to embrace the life God has intended for us (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
However, often the contraction of a sexually transmitted disease is a result of one’s own immoral choices. While Scripture clearly states that any sexual activity outside the confines of a monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is sinful (1 Thessalonians 4:3;Colossians 3:5;Hebrews 13:4), Christians may still transgress and face the repercussions of their actions. GalatJames 6:7 states, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap.” When we engage in sin, we deceive ourselves by believing it will not cause harm. An STD is one consequence of sexual sin «Flee fornication. Every sin that a man commits is outside the body, but he who commits fornication sins against his own body. », (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Sin creates a separation between us and God’s fellowship. While sinning does not expel us from God’s family, it does obstruct us from fully experiencing His blessings through fellowship. First John 1:9 pertains to contracting an STD, just as it does for any other sin believers may commit. Acquiring the disease is not the sin itself; rather, it is the sexual immorality that constitutes the sin. Often, we mistakenly believe that the sin is graver if it leads to disease or pregnancy, but this is not accurate. The repercussions may appear severe, but the sin remains equally abhorrent to God regardless of whether we face physical consequences.
Repentance is the initial step we must take upon confronting our own sin. Repentance involves changing our perspective on our sin; confession entails agreeing with God about our wrongdoing. It necessitates a complete shift in mindset that results in a change of course. When we view our sin from God’s perspective, we desire to turn away from it. Frequently, only severe consequences can jolt us awake and prompt us to change. Regrettably, even after repentance and altering our ways, the consequences of sin often linger—serving as stark reminders of our past choices.
Instead of allowing Satan to use an STD to ridicule and condemn, a Christian can opt to perceive the disease as a symbol of God’s grace. Each time the symptoms surface, a repentant Christian can use the occasion to reflect on the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice to make us righteous despite our unrighteousness «For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.», (2 Corinthians 5:21). A Christian who has contracted an STD can accept the truth of Romans 8:1 and express gratitude to God for His mercy and forgiveness. To live triumphantly, we must embrace the mindset of Joseph when he faced his wicked brothers (Genesis 37:23-28). He could have dwelled on the past and clung to resentment and remorse. Instead, he declared, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good” «But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. », (Genesis 50:20).
God assures us that all things will work together for good when we love Him and pursue His purpose for our lives «And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. », (Romans 8:28). Despite the pain and shame that a sexually transmitted disease may bring, a triumphant Christian believes that God can turn even something negative into good when surrendering to His plan. An STD serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of sin «For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.», (Romans 6:23) and also of the magnitude of God’s restorative power «Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. », (Romans 5:20). It serves as a source of humility, which is always pleasing to God «But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. », (James 4:6). An STD can also serve as a potent deterrent to others’ sin as part of a testimony. Ultimately, the result of any life event depends significantly on our reaction to it. We can allow it to shape us and impede us, or we can allow God to shape it into a tool He uses to mold us more into the likeness of Christ.
