LGBTQ+
& Faith
FAQs

This question requires careful examination. There are a few passages in the Bible that may appear at first glance to address same-sex acts, such as those in Leviticus or in some of Paul’s letters. However, it is essential to read these passages within their historical and cultural context, not in isolation from the spirit of the Gospel or from our growing human understanding.

At the time the Bible was written, concepts like sexual orientation or gender identity did not exist as we understand them today. The same-sex acts condemned in certain texts were, in most cases, linked to idolatry, domination, humiliation, or the exploitation of minors or enslaved people—not to loving, consensual relationships between two adults.

The Bible consistently focuses on the nature of a relationship:

Does it reflect love, honesty, and mutual respect?

Or does it involve exploitation, violence, or selfishness?

For this reason, many contemporary theologians believe that the biblical condemnations were not directed at homosexuality as an identity or orientation, but at specific unethical practices within particular contexts.

Christianity calls us to live in love, truth, and grace. God does not reject His own creation; rather, God invites everyone into a genuine relationship built on sincere love.

Homosexuality is not a perversion nor a moral deviation. It is a natural variation of human sexual orientation that has existed in nature and among people throughout history, and it is not associated with moral corruption or weak faith.

Modern psychology and scientific research do not consider homosexuality a disorder, but a natural part of human diversity.

To learn more about homosexuality and the Bible, you can read or download the booklet “The Bible and Homosexuality: An Inclusive Reading of the Biblical Texts.”

The word “abomination” (Hebrew: תּוֹעֵבָה — to‘evah) appears in the Old Testament to describe many different things, including prohibited foods, idolatrous practices, and sexual acts associated with pagan worship. It did not always imply that something was inherently evil or eternally morally wrong. Rather, it was often a religious term indicating what made the people of Israel distinct or separate from surrounding nations according to the old covenant law.

For example, eating pork or wearing garments made of mixed fabrics were considered “abominations,” yet we do not view these actions as sinful today because we are not living under the same law.

When the term is used in the context of sexual practices—for instance, “Do not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)—it does not refer to LGBTQ+ people as we understand them today. Instead, it points to practices that were commonly tied to idolatrous rituals, or to forms of sexual relations characterized by domination, humiliation, or exploitation.

Moreover, God does not hate, nor does God reject human beings on the basis of their identity or orientation. In Jesus Christ, we see the God who loved the entire world with a profound and self-giving love, revealed in the incarnation and the cross, and who calls all people into a life rooted in grace, acceptance, and renewal.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah appears in Genesis 19 and is often used to condemn homosexuality. But when we read the text carefully, it becomes clear that the central sin in this story was not “homosexuality” as we understand it today. Rather, it involved violence, humiliation, and attempted collective sexual assault—a form of gang rape—used as a tool to degrade outsiders.

In the ancient world, the sexual exploitation of men—especially foreigners—was often a way to assert dominance and power. What the men of the city demanded was not an expression of mutual desire between equal partners in a loving relationship, but an attempt to humiliate Lot’s guests.

The Bible itself explains the sin of Sodom in other passages, such as Ezekiel 16:49:

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.”

This shows that the sin of Sodom was pride, neglect, and social injustice—not sexual orientation.

Therefore, using the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to condemn LGBTQ+ people today is not based on an accurate reading of the text and does not reflect the spirit of justice and compassion taught by Christ.

To learn more about the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and how it relates to sexuality, you can read and download our booklet “Homosexuality and the Bible” on our website.

In Paul’s letters, there are a few references that are sometimes understood as addressing homosexuality, especially in:

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–10

• 1 Timothy 1:9–10

• Romans 1:26–27

These passages use Greek words such as “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai) and “μαλακοί” (malakoi)—two ambiguous terms with no precise or universally agreed-upon translation. They have often been interpreted in ways that condemn LGBTQ+ people, but this is not necessarily what Paul intended.

The term “arsenokoitai” is a compound word formed from arsēn (“male”) and koitē (“bed”), and it likely refers to exploitative or abusive sexual practices, such as prostitution, the exploitation of slaves or boys, or ritual sex associated with pagan worship—not loving and mutual same-sex relationships between consenting adults.

The word “malakoi” literally means “soft,” and in ancient Greek literature it was used in a variety of ways. It could refer to moral weakness, lack of self-discipline, a life of indulgence, or (in some contexts) vulnerable young people exploited in prostitution. It does not necessarily describe sexual orientation or identity.

Therefore, Paul’s concern in these passages was not the condemnation of same-sex orientation or committed same-sex relationships as we understand them today. Rather, he was speaking against exploitative, abusive, or idolatrous practices common in the Greco-Roman world—cultures that had no concept of “sexual orientation” or “identity” in the modern sense.

To understand Paul’s letters faithfully, we must read them within their historical and cultural context—as messages addressing specific communities shaped by the social and moral realities of their time—not as tools to exclude or shame people because of who they are.

For a deeper exploration of these passages, you can read and download our booklet “The Bible and Homosexuality: A Comprehensive Reading of the Biblical Texts” on our website.

No, Jesus did not directly speak about homosexuality in any of the four Gospels.

But the absence of direct mention does not mean rejection. In fact, Jesus rarely spoke about sexual matters or sexual behavior; his focus was always on deeper issues: love, mercy, justice, faith, and forgiveness of sins.

When he encountered people whom society considered “sinners,” he did not condemn them. Instead, he approached them, uplifted them, and reminded them of God’s love—such as with the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus the tax collector, and the Samaritan woman.

It is also noteworthy that Jesus praised the faith of the centurion (in Matthew 8 and Luke 7), who came to ask for the healing of his sick servant. Some have suggested that the relationship between the centurion and the servant could be understood within the context of Roman-era emotional or social bonds. Yet Jesus did not ask about the nature of the relationship, nor did he judge it; he simply commended the centurion’s faith, saying: “I have not found such faith in Israel.”

Jesus was not concerned with excluding anyone because of their identity or personal life. His aim was to reveal God’s loving, close, and merciful presence to everyone.

Therefore, the absence of condemnation in Jesus’ words regarding homosexuality—together with his consistent presence among the marginalized and rejected—is itself a message of acceptance and love.

No, because “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Paul teaches us that “we serve God in the Spirit, not in the letter,” and that the Scriptures are “written for our benefit,” meaning God’s commandments and teachings are meant for our good, not to control His children without reason.

Reading the Bible is not just about finding texts that support or condemn a position; it is a living encounter with God’s Word, which teaches and shapes us in our daily life.

To read the Bible faithfully, we need to consider three things together:

1. Respecting the text in its original context:
   We should understand who the text was written for, in what time and culture, and what issues it addressed. Many passages often cited today against LGBTQ+ people, for example, addressed practices very different from loving, respectful relationships between consenting adults. Translation issues also matter: the original languages do not carry the concept of sexual orientation as we understand it today.

2. Interpreting through the lens of love and grace:
   Jesus taught us that all the Law and the Prophets are summarized in the commandment of love: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.” Any interpretation that does not lead to more love, mercy, and justice should be reconsidered.

3. Being open to the Spirit’s work in our present:
   God has not stopped speaking. The Holy Spirit works in us today, guiding us to a deeper understanding of the Word’s meaning in our changing reality. Faithful reading allows the Spirit to renew our understanding and teach us how to live the Word in our time.

Ultimately, true faithfulness to the Bible is not about clinging to the literal words but about seeking to understand the spirit of the text—that is, God’s message calling us to life, freedom, and love.

Yes—absolutely.

Faith in Christ is not measured by sexual orientation but by a person’s acceptance of God’s grace and the love of Christ in their heart. The Gospel is clear: everyone is invited to new life in Christ, and there is no sexual, social, or racial requirement that qualifies or disqualifies someone from entering into a relationship with God.

The central message of Christ has always been love, grace, and mercy. Jesus did not exclude anyone because of their identity; He approached everyone, especially those rejected by religious society in His time—and He continues to do so today.

Being gay does not mean you are less faithful or outside God’s love. Christ knows you as you are, loves you as you are, and invites you to walk with Him in the path of truth, freedom, and grace.

If you ever feel that you do not deserve God’s love because of your orientation, remember that grace is given not to the deserving, but to those in need. God does not ask you to change your identity to be loved—He loves you first, just as you are.

No—you don’t need to choose. Your faith and your identity are not in conflict; they can complement each other.

God did not create you to put you in a dilemma. You were created in His image and likeness, with all your feelings, experiences, and identity. Being gay is not a barrier to God’s love, nor does it contradict your calling to be a disciple of Christ.

Many LGBTQ+ people have found that accepting their sexual identity is part of their spiritual journey and growth in Christ. When they stop fighting themselves, they begin to experience deeper inner peace and a more genuine faith.

God calls us to live in the light, not in fear. True faith is not built on denial or suppression but on honesty and freedom. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This includes the truth about ourselves.

God is capable of all things, but that doesn’t mean He will change everything in us just because we ask. Many LGBTQ+ people have prayed for years, with tears, asking God to “change them”—not because they truly wanted change for God’s will in their lives, but because they had learned to reject themselves and feared rejection from society, church, or family. But God does not work under pressure from fear or self-hatred. He loves you as you are, created with this heart and this orientation, and knows you better than you know yourself.

Sexual orientation is not a disease or a flaw that needs “healing”; it is a natural part of the diversity of creation. Jesus’ teachings and actions never called for changing people’s orientations—He always focused on love, truth, and grace.

True prayer is not about convincing God to change us so we become “acceptable”; it is an honest space where we allow Him to show us that we are already loved as we are. And if change happens, it is often a change in the depth of how we see ourselves—from shame to acceptance, from fear to freedom.

Faith is not measured by your ability to change your orientation, but by your trust in God’s unconditional love for you. By surrendering your heart, life, and questions to Him. God does not wait for you to become someone different to love you… He loves you now, exactly as you are.

God is not angry with you because you are gay, also being gay is not a sin. God does not get upset about who you are; He loves you deeply and knows you completely. Your existence as a gay person is not a flaw that needs fixing, nor something that provokes God’s displeasure. It is part of the rich diversity God has placed in creation.

Sometimes, we confuse the shame we were taught or the messages we hear from certain religious leaders with God’s voice. But God does not condemn His children because of their identity. He is not a deity who reacts in anger toward those who seek Him with love and sincerity. On the contrary, the Gospel shows us a God who approaches the marginalized, heals the broken, and stands with those rejected by society and religion.

As for lifestyle, God has not given a single “perfect” way for us to live, nor a rigid operating system for humanity. God cares about the love in our hearts, honesty, mercy, and justice. If you live your life with love, integrity, and seek goodness, God is not upset with you. God does not evaluate our lives based on sexual orientation or lifestyle, but by the love we live out.

Fear of God’s anger does not come from the Holy Spirit but from distorted images of God. God treats us as children, not slaves. True faith begins when we realize we are loved, not rejected, and that God does not seek perfection but open hearts.

When you feel shame or fear of God, remember the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) and how the father welcomed him with complete love and care.

You are not rejected. You are not under wrath. You are loved… surrounded by grace, and invited to live your freedom in Christ with confidence and joy.

Your relationship with God is not built on other people’s acceptance of you, but on God’s unwavering love that does not change. Feeling rejection or inner conflict does not mean God is far from you; rather, it can be an opportunity for your faith to grow deeper.

Remember that God knows you fully — your identity, your feelings, your experiences — and loves you as you are. Your relationship with Him is not based on perfection, but on honesty and constant connection. When you feel rejected, return to Jesus, who was also rejected by people, yet remained faithful to love.

Nurture your relationship with God in simple ways: pray as you are, read the Bible seeking grace rather than condemnation, and connect with friends and believers who accept and encourage you in your spiritual journey.

God does not ask you to choose between your identity and your faith — both are part of the creation God lovingly made.

Yes, you absolutely have that right. God created us for relationships grounded in love, mutual care, and honesty. A romantic relationship based on respect, commitment, and grace is not rejected by God; rather, it can be a means of growth, healing, and embodying God’s love in our lives.

All the texts often cited as condemning same-sex relationships do not refer to loving relationships, but to exploitative practices, associations with idolatrous worship, or expressions of dominance and humiliation. A healthy romantic relationship between two people of the same sex — one that involves sacrifice, honesty, and spiritual and emotional companionship — is not condemned in God's eyes.

God cares about the fruit of the relationship, not the identities of those involved. Jesus Himself did not set conditions on who deserves love or acceptance; His heart was always open to anyone sincerely seeking God.

No, same-sex sexual activity in itself is neither evil nor unclean. What determines whether a sexual relationship is good or harmful is not the gender of the partners, but the nature of the relationship, the intentions of the heart, respect, honesty, and mutual love.

The Bible does not clearly and specifically condemn loving sexual relationships between people of the same sex. The passages often cited usually refer to exploitative, idolatrous, or unethical practices, and cannot be generalized to all relationships between same-sex partners.

From an authentic Christian perspective, the body is not unclean, and sexuality is not inherently evil. Sexuality is a gift from God, created as a means of expressing love, connection, and intimacy between people. When sexual activity takes place within a relationship built on commitment, respect, and care, it is not unclean—whether it is between a man and a woman or between two people of the same sex.

Inclusive theology emphasizes that God looks at the heart, the faithfulness, and the honesty in the relationship, not its outward form or societal classification.

Grace is not imposed based on sexual orientation, and love is not defined by the partner’s identity, but by the spirit of the relationship. As Jesus said: “By their fruits you will know them”—so does the relationship bear fruits of peace, safety, care, and commitment? If it does, it is certainly not evil, but a blessing.

No, you are not risking your salvation simply because you are gay, or because you are in a same-sex relationship built on love, honesty, and commitment. Salvation in the Christian faith is not based on a person’s sexual orientation, but on God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and on a living faith expressed through love.

The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift. It is not earned through works or strict adherence to the law, but received through faith. As Paul writes:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Fear of “losing salvation” because of your orientation or identity does not come from the Spirit of Christ, but from distorted human teachings that place conditions on the grace Christ proclaimed for everyone. Jesus did not come to exclude anyone; He came to save. He said:

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." (John 6:37)

If your relationship is based on love, care, honesty, and respect, you are not living in a “sin that separates you from God.” You are navigating a human journey full of challenges—like everyone else—called to grow in grace and faith.

God does not seek perfection, but sincere hearts. His love is not nullified by your identity; it embraces you as you are, guiding you toward a life filled with peace, freedom, and grace.

Same-sex relationships—when they are based on genuine love, commitment, respect, and honesty—can reflect the love of Christ just like any other relationship.

Christ’s love is not limited to one form of relationship. It is unconditional, giving, embracing, forgiving, and building up the other. As the Bible says:

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude… Love never fails."

(1 Corinthians 13:4–8)

When two people of the same sex live a relationship grounded in this kind of love—which mirrors Christ’s humility, compassion, and faithful commitment—they embody one of the most precious aspects of Christian faith: love that reflects the heart of God.

It is not the nature of the relationship (same-sex or different-sex) that determines its sacredness, but the quality of the relationship and the depth of love within it. True love always reflects Christ because it comes from God:

"Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7)

God does not focus on gender or outward appearance, but on the heart. When a relationship is marked by fidelity, mercy, forgiveness, and mutual growth in grace, it can truly reflect the love of Christ.

Yes, it can be sacred.

In God’s view, marriage is not only about the genders of the partners, but about the essence of the relationship: love, commitment, fidelity, and the desire for shared spiritual growth. When two people love each other genuinely and dedicate their lives to one another in a relationship built on giving, respect, and care, this relationship reflects the heart of God, regardless of their gender.

Indeed, many churches today recognize that a marriage between two people of the same sex can be part of the Christian calling. They see that God does not exclude anyone, but invites all to relationships that reflect His grace.

A same-sex marriage does not diminish the sacredness of marriage; rather, it affirms that God’s love encompasses everyone. God does not call humans to live in isolation, but to find someone with whom to share life in true love, open to grace.

Christian faith does not focus primarily on the form of the relationship, but on its spirit and content. The most important moral principle is responsible love — that is, a relationship built on honesty, respect, fidelity, and mutual freedom.

A relationship that expresses genuine love, does not exploit the other person, and does not distort the image of God in humans, reflects God’s presence in the body.

The goal is not merely to regulate behavior, but to ensure that our sexual relationships reflect the values of God’s kingdom: safety, honesty, equality, and mutual giving.

In this sense, faith does not impose a list of prohibitions as much as it offers a positive principle: to love as Christ loved — with pure love that honors the body and sanctifies the person.

No, feeling uncomfortable in your body or with your gender identity as a trans person does not mean you are rejecting God’s will or plan. It simply means you are on a journey of discovering yourself honestly, trying to live in inner harmony and peace with your body and identity. God did not create only men and women who fit the traditional binary; God created everyone with all their differences, and every part of God’s creation is sacred and worthy.

God is also not angered or disappointed by deep questions or the pain that comes from inner struggle and the effort to understand our true selves. On the contrary, He understands completely, draws near to those who are hurting, and embraces those who feel lost, anxious, or disconnected. The Bible says:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

God created you fully, with your deep identity, heart, and soul, and His love is never mistaken. If changing your body or expressing your gender helps you live faithfully in alignment with your inner truth, God does not reject you for that. He does not call us to live in pain or permanent inner conflict, but to live in truth, grace, and freedom.

Submitting to God’s will does not mean denying or suppressing yourself. It means living according to the truth He placed within you and following Christ sincerely, from within your real-life circumstances.

God knows you fully, loves you fully, and calls you to walk with Him as you are — not as others expect you to be.

Rejection is painful, especially when it comes from those closest to you. But it’s important to remember that your value does not come from others’ approval, even if they are your family or spiritual leaders — your value comes from God, who created you in His image and loves you unconditionally.

If you experience rejection, try to remember the following:

• Their problem is not with you, but with their limited understanding. Many people are raised with harsh or distorted teachings about sexuality, whether religious or cultural, which can make them act out of fear or anger instead of love.

• You are not alone. Many people love Jesus, follow God, and are also LGBTQ+. You can find support in communities and with people outside of those you grew up with.

• Choose your timing and set boundaries. You don’t always have to explain or defend yourself. Sometimes mental and emotional safety is more important than debate or confrontation. In some cases, confrontation can be dangerous and put you in unnecessary pain.

• Pray and seek wisdom. God can give you strength and guide others toward understanding. Change often takes time, but prayer is powerful.

Finally, remember that Jesus Himself faced rejection from those around Him, yet He never abandoned His mission or doubted His identity. He is with you, understands your pain, and walks with you step by step.

Our ultimate refuge is our Father in heaven. He sees and hears our struggles and can respond to our prayers by giving support and wisdom in how we respond or act.

If you need guidance, or simply someone to talk to, you can reach out to us at contact@theopenheartqci.org 

We’ll be glad to support you.

Your presence as an LGBTQ+ or queer person in the church is not a stumbling block; rather, it is a living testimony of God’s grace and His acceptance of everyone. The real stumbling block is not you, but the hearts that refuse to see God’s love revealed in every person who worships Him faithfully.

Christ welcomed everyone and shared meals with people who were rejected by the religious society of His time. He did not ask them to hide or pretend to be someone other than who they truly were, but gave them the dignity of full presence, voice, and participation.

Being LGBTQ+ and a believer does not mean you must “hide yourself” or pretend to be someone else to make others comfortable. Love does not ask people to disappear; it asks them to be authentic, to live in the light, with inner peace and spiritual freedom.

Jesus said:

"You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14–15)

It is not your role to dim your light because others are uncomfortable. Instead, as a church, our role is to open our eyes and expand our hearts so we can live together as one body in Christ — diverse, yet united in love.

While you should be mindful of your personal safety to avoid harm, also seek spiritual spaces where you feel secure and free to be your true self.

Yes, absolutely.

God excludes no one from His calling. Throughout the Bible, we see that God consistently chooses people from all sorts of backgrounds, with their weaknesses and uniqueness, and uses them for great works. A calling to ministry is not based on sexual orientation, but on a loving heart, sincere intentions, and willingness to walk with God.

Being queer, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or any other marginalized group does not prevent you from having a calling for ministry. On the contrary, your personal experiences, struggles, and testimony can be a real blessing to others. You can be a voice of grace and hope for those who feel unseen in the church.

God does not choose according to human standards; He looks at the heart.

As the Lord said to Samuel:

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

In Jesus Christ, we are all called to be witnesses of grace. There are no secondary or marginalized members in the body of Christ. The Spirit distributes gifts to each person individually, as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

History also shows us many queer saints and martyrs — gay, trans, and more — not only in global tradition but also in traditions like the Coptic Church.

If you feel God calling you, listen to His voice and walk confidently in your ministry. Yes, God uses people like you — and people like you make a real difference in the church and the world.

The phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” is sometimes said with good intentions, but in practice it is often used as a way to reject queer people and deny them full dignity and wholeness in Christ. The problem is that churches —through their leaders— sometimes separate the person from their orientation or identity and treat part of who they are as “sin.” This makes the “love” offered conditional and unlike the love of Christ.

But Christ did not love conditionally. He never told anyone, “I love you, but you must change yourself to stay with me.” Instead, He accepted people, touched them, listened to them, and sat with them before asking for any change.

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people — whether through outright rejection or silent marginalization — cannot be justified by faith or by God’s love. True faith and real love do not expel, exclude, or shame others.

As the apostle John said:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." (1 John 4:18)

So how can anyone be excluded from God’s house because of their identity?

Religious leaders who directly or indirectly reject LGBTQ+ people, or deny them spiritual participation in the church, need to examine themselves in the light of Christ’s love. For Jesus Himself said:

"Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." (John 6:37)

If He excludes no one, how can we accept the church —His body on earth— doing so?

Love that marginalizes is not true love. Christ calls us to a love like His: a love that accepts, embraces, and frees.

For a long time, some churches believed that homosexuality was an illness or a moral deviation. They therefore saw “healing” it as possible, even necessary. This perspective was not based on accurate science or theology, but on fear, ignorance, and certain cultural and social influences.

In reality, most Christian organizations that promoted “conversion therapy” or programs for “healing from homosexuality” have now acknowledged that these practices caused serious psychological and spiritual harm. Many people who went through conversion therapy programs — whether in Egypt or elsewhere — experienced depression, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, and even loss of faith. Some were driven to suicidal thoughts.

Sexual orientation (homosexual, bisexual) or gender diversity are not illnesses. Scientific and psychological institutions have confirmed this for years. Homosexuality is not something to be “cured”; it is a natural part of human diversity. God does not require you to deny who you are in order to be accepted by Him.

True “healing” does not mean changing who you are. It means accepting yourself as God created you, freeing yourself from shame and rejection, and living fully in His love and grace.

No, this is a common misconception, but it is not true.

Sexual orientation is not the result of trauma or past experiences; it is a natural part of human diversity. Science confirms that homosexuality is not a psychological disorder nor caused by childhood harm. It is simply a normal variation in human nature, much like differences in skin color or personality traits.

Some LGBTQ+ people — like anyone else — may have faced difficulties in childhood, but this does not mean that these experiences “caused” their sexual orientation. Many LGBTQ+ individuals grow up in loving, stable families without any form of abuse.

We must be careful not to generalize or assume that homosexuality is always linked to trauma or disorder. This kind of thinking creates stigma and injustice, preventing many from living peacefully with themselves and with God.

God created every person with full dignity. LGBTQ+ identities, including sexual orientation and gender diversity, are not mistakes to be “explained,” but realities that can be lived with peace, love, and honor.

God created the body and saw that it was good. The body is not the enemy of the spirit, but part of creation through which God reveals Himself in Jesus Christ. When we reject our bodies or desires, we reject a part of ourselves that God loves first.

Shame does not come from God, but from human voices that have taught us to link the body with sin. In the Christian faith, the body is a place of encounter with God—our bodies are God’s temples, and we are meant to care for them and understand their needs.

Reconciliation begins by acknowledging that your feelings and desires are a natural part of being human. Do not fear them, but learn to understand and direct them with love and maturity.

God does not want you to deny your body, but to love and honor it as it is, because you are created in His image—with your body, spirit, identity, and feelings.