How Christians Should Respond
We’ve covered a lot today. Let me try to answer the question of how Christians should respond.
What I would like to say overall is this:
- Develop biblical convictions about sexuality and gender.
- Give voice to some of our concerns, especially about invasive and non-reversible medication and procedures, particularly in children.
- On an individual level, listen and love.
I mentioned the story of Kat earlier. Kat was born and raised in a Christian home, and struggled with gender dysphoria for years. Kat turned away from God at the age of 18. One day Kat went to church and sensed God moving, and realized God’s love.
One day a women came up and said, “Hey, I notice sometimes you come late and sit alone. I want you to know you always have a place to sit with me.” They got talking, and Kat asked the woman what she did, and she answered, “My husband and I run a ministry to bridge the gap between the LGBT community and the church.”
Kat was blown away and realized this was no accident, but also felt skeptical. Kat looked on her website and realized that she believed in the historic Christian view of marriage and sexuality.
But one day Kat got tired and reached out to her on Facebook and said, “I’m so tired of hearing what everyone else thinks about my gender identity. My parents want me to do one thing. The church wants me to do another. I have the world telling me to just embrace it. What does God think of me? How does God truly look at me?”
She said, “I don’t know what he thinks, but I’m willing to walk with you.” It’s not that she lacked biblical convictions. Kat already knew what she believed. But she was slow to speak, quick to listen, and willing to walk with someone through the dysphoria.
If there is anything I would say today, it’s this: Understand complicated issues around sexuality, and respond with biblical conviction and a willingness to walk with people.
Andrew Walker says:
Though it may bring new conversations and experiences many of us will not understand, ministry to those with gender dysphoria means walking with each precious soul through what could be years of psychological valleys … Only Christians humble enough to recognize their own brokenness will be capable of walking with people through struggles that seem very different from their own.
Lord, give us wisdom on this complex issue, and give us love for others. May we experience your grace and offer this grace to others. Thank you for Jesus who is setting this world right, and who invites all of us to come to him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This article originally appeared here.
