Contracting a sexually transmitted disease can be a frightening and challenging experience for anyone, but for Christians it can also raise questions about faith, repentance, and God’s will. Here is a biblical overview of how Christians can respond in a godly way when faced with an STD diagnosis.
1. Seek Medical Care
The first priority when diagnosed with an STD should be to seek proper medical treatment. STDs can have serious health consequences if left untreated, so it is important to follow doctor’s orders for medication, testing, and partner notification. Christians should not let fear, shame, or denial prevent them from taking care of their body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Seeing a doctor demonstrates wisdom and Christian love for one’s self.
2. Reflect On Your Actions
After the initial shock of diagnosis, Christians should reflect biblically on the actions and choices that led to contracting an STD. This reflection should be characterized by humility, honesty, and genuine Godly sorrow over any sin, rather than toxic shame or denial. Examine your heart and behaviors in light of God’s standards for sexuality, considering whether pride, lust, deception, or other sinful motives were at play (James 1:14-15). A spirit of repentance is key.
3. Confess Your Sins
When sinful choices have opened the door to an STD, the next step is to confess those sins, specifically, to God and ask for forgiveness through Christ (1 John 1:9). Being open with a pastor or mature Christian mentor can also provide valuable support, guidance, and confidential accountability. As needed, confess to any sexual partners you may have exposed, advising them to seek medical care. Confession restores fellowship with God and others when we have fallen short of holy standards for sexuality.
4. Walk In Renewed Holiness
An STD confrontation is a wakeup call to re-commit one’s sexuality to God’s standards of virtue and honor in all areas moving forward (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Pray for strength to make wise choices and flee from temptation. Seek support and accountability from mature believers. Refocus energy on upholding God’s design for sex as a gift for marriage. Trust God daily for renewal, knowing you are forgiven and valued. An STD may not be fully removed in this life, but its lessons can promote lasting growth.
5. Rest In God’s Unchanging Love
Even in the midst of the painful earthly consequences that may come with an STD, Christians can rest fully in God’s constant, unchanging love. Having an STD does not separate you from God’s redemptive grace through Christ or nullify your inherent worth in His eyes. “Neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39). You remain His beloved, precious child. Let this unmerited grace be your anchor.
6. Turn it Into a Testimony
In God’s providence, even painful chapters like contracting an STD can be turned into life-giving testimonies that glorify Him and edify others. As you walk through this season, write down lessons learned, moments of doubt, times God met you powerfully in your weakness. Then prayerfully discern if and when it may be appropriate to share parts of your story selectively with others who need hope. Your vulnerable authenticity could help advance God’s kingdom.
7. Find Healing Through Community
Don’t try to handle an STD alone. Seek out compassionate Christian community across the various spheres of your life—your local church, small group, friendships, even the body of Christ online if need be. God designed us to bear burdens together and point each other to His grace and truth in our pain. Fellowship with other believers for prayer, counsel, and the hope of redemption. Let their godly wisdom guide you.
8. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
At times an STD may feel like a cruel, undeserved punishment. But the Bible reminds us that a sovereign, all-knowing God allows what He could prevent for eternal purposes we cannot fully grasp (Daniel 4:35). Nothing takes Him by surprise. Though STD’s are not part of God’s ideal plan and may come through our own sinful choices, trust that He can use painful consequences for our sanctification. Surrender control to the One who promises to work even this for eventual good (Romans 8:28).
9. Wait on the Lord’s Timing for Healing or Relief
Unlike some of life’s hardships, contracting an STD may not come with a clear path toward complete restoration on this side of eternity. But while medical advances can treat STD symptoms, God remains the ultimate healer. Wait patiently on the Lord for physical relief in His perfect timing. More importantly, look to Him for spiritual healing from the shame, anxiety, anger that STD’s often provoke. His grace is enough to redeem any pain.
10. Hope in Our Coming Resurrection
For Christians, even devastating diagnoses like STD’s do not have the final word. Our hope rests in the resurrection to come, where God promises to raise our mortal bodies transformed and imperishable, freed from all marks of sin and sickness (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Philippians 3:20-21). The trials of this life are brief and light compared to the eternal glory in Christ in store (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). So we do not lose heart. Keep your eyes on eternity!
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease is a difficult trial no one hopes to face. But by drawing near to Christ in humble repentance, relying on His grace and truth, trusting His heart toward us even in pain, and looking to the resurrection hope, Christians can respond in a way that brings glory to God even in the darkest seasons. God specializes in redeeming life’s messes for His glorious eternal purposes.