THE LOVE OF CHRIST AND THE PROBLEM OF GENDER DYSPHORIA
Let’s come before the Lord with quiet hearts, ready to hear His truth—not the noise of the world, but what He has said from the beginning.
The Bible tells us that “God created man in His own image…male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). This wasn’t random. God made us male or female on purpose. It’s part of how we reflect His image. Jesus confirmed this truth when He said, “From the beginning, God made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4). Our identity, including our gender, isn’t something we choose for ourselves—it’s something we receive from our loving Creator.
God made each one of us with care. The psalmist said, “You formed my inward parts…I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13–14). That means your body, your design, your identity—they were all crafted by God. Job said, “Your hands shaped me and made me” (Job 10:8). God doesn’t make mistakes. He forms each life with wisdom and love, including your biological sex.
In the Old Testament, God gave this instruction: “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing” (Deuteronomy 22:5). Although that was given to the nation of Israel under the Law of Moses, there is a principle there that still applies. And it may sound old-fashioned today, but it shows us something important: God cares about the difference between male and female. He wants us to honor His design. And in the New Testament, Paul says that when we step outside of God’s order, we’re not walking in the life He wants (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
But here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t come to condemn. He came to rescue. He came for the broken, the hurting, and the confused (Luke 5:31–32). He came full of grace and truth (John 1:14). So we don’t speak these things to judge anyone. We speak them because we love people and we know God’s way is best.
Every person matters to God. Every person is made in His image (Genesis 1:26). And every person can find a new identity in Jesus. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That means no matter your past, no matter your struggle, Jesus can make you new. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). That’s where our real identity is found—not in feelings or labels, but in Christ.
So how do we respond in a world that’s so confused? We speak the truth, and we do it with love (Ephesians 4:15). We don’t water down God’s Word, but we also don’t forget the mercy He’s shown us. We hold both truth and love in our hands, just like Jesus did.
If you’re hurting or searching, come to Him. He won’t turn you away (John 6:37). His design is good, His love is real, and He’s ready to give you peace.
Lord, help us to speak Your truth with kindness, to love people like You do, and to trust Your design.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
