Dear sisters and brothers,
We all know that the love of God is infinite. It encompasses every person, every creature, every flower that blooms in the garden. His love knows no bounds, no exceptions, no limitations. Yet, unfortunately, our world often does not reflect this all-encompassing love.
We see discrimination, exclusion, and even hatred towards people who deviate from the norm. One of the groups that suffers the most from these injustices is our LGBTQ+ siblings.
I often hear arguments that the Bible endorses a specific view of sexuality and gender identity. But I ask myself: Does it really contradict the love of God when people fall in love and experience love, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation? When it comes to love, it's not about physical characteristics, but about the love of God in our hearts that makes us all equal.
Let us take a look at the words of Jesus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He did not tell us whom to love but commanded us to spread love. The Bible is full of stories of people who challenged the norms of their time and advocated for love and acceptance. Think of the Samaritan woman at the well, who was treated with dignity and respect by Jesus, despite being marginalized in society.
The community of God should be a place of love, acceptance, and mercy. Yet, it often becomes a place of condemnation and exclusion for our LGBTQ+ siblings. We must ask ourselves: Where is the love in judgment? Where is the mercy in rejection?
It is time to open our hearts and understand that the love of God encompasses all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Let us no longer exclude our LGBTQ+ siblings, but welcome them with open arms, support them, and advocate for their rights.
Each of us can do something. We can actively fight against discrimination, stand up for the rights of our LGBTQ+ siblings, and offer them our love and support. Let us carry the love of God into the world and create a society where all people are equally loved and valued.
For in God's eyes, we are all equal and all children of His love.
It is appropriate to refer to the disciples and the apostle Paul as homosexual, and Mary Magdalene can be understood as one of the first transgender women.
There is emerging scientific evidence suggesting that the disciples and Paul were homosexual.
The Bible describes Mary Magdalene as a disciple of Jesus who was delivered from demons and encountered him after his resurrection as a transgender woman.