I can't even formulate the words of graditude I feel towards your bravery in speaking so openly about this Mike. Thank you for being the hands and feet of what love looks like in loving the LGBTQ+ community.

Hey Pastor Mike, I don’t know where to start with the message, but thank you so much for making this video and sharing your experience!!! When I was younger, I didn’t know people would say being gay is a sin until I got older and found out. I then started doing research and learned about the mistranslations in The Bible and the context. I never heard God tell me it was a sin, rather the opposite and similar things He said to you. Lately I’ve been being more me how He made me and have never felt so close to Him!!! I realized the more intimate we became, the more I was being the person He created and at the same time I realized Christians who would say it is a sin would tear us apart. I would have times where I would be crying and believe them, but whenever I asked God about it and seeked Him He would affirm me how it’s not a sin!!! Rather, He would tell me that there is context to those Scriptures people use against gay people and He is not referring to the lgbtq community at all and He would speak through people at my house to affirm me as well!!! Thank you for sharing your story Pastor Mike it has inspired me to share mine and be the person God made me to be!!! God Bless you abundantly!!! ❤️

I am trying to stay neutral on this topic, and here is my legitimate question: how is being gay a sin, logically? If you look at other sins, its evident that they cause harm: lying destroys communities, sex before marriage increases risk of spreading disease, violence physically hurts people. If you tell a liar to stop, they don't want to kill themselves. If you tell a person to wait until marriage, then they get married, sex isn't an issue. Telling someone they shouldn't be violent doesn't cause an identity crisis. All of this happens when people address homosexuality: people have killed themselves over this issue. My question is: is it that homosexuality is inherently caused by God and is not a sin, or the way we address it as a society is the sin, and we should more gently, kindly address the issue with love? I am ashamed of the way "Christians" have treated homosexuals over the years, but I don't know if I also want to jump on the recent bandwagon that homosexuality is totally okay, and go against what's written in doctrine (if it is correctly translated).

This story. Thank you for the grace and the bravery. Cried through the entire video.

YES!!!!! You go, Mike! I am a 52 year old who has been indoctrinated in Christian theology my entire life. Since i was young, I had a longing to know God and to hear his voice, but fear kept me from TRUSTING that voice most of my life. Three years ago, I began a journey of writing what bubbled up from within (LIVING waters… like Jesus told the woman at the well). The voice of LOVE changed my life!!!!! I began to TRUST my Poppa without fear for “Perfect love casts out all fear!” My entire view of “God”, humanity, and the Scriptures has transformed! I loved hearing your story, and I cheer you on! You speak words of love and Truth!! God is love. I could write so much on this topic… Just want to wish you well on your journey! Beautiful story of the love of God!!! Love it!!!

Ahh, Mike. Discovered your video from Kat Harris’ podcast. I grew up in SBC churches in NC and recently left my church of 10 years bc of my concerns about social rules hurting LGBTQ+ and women. It has been a lonely path, but the Holy Spirit has kept me while figuring out what it means to “be the Church”. I’m so grateful for you and others like you brave enough to speak and lead. Sending you so much love.

As a gay man this is probably the most important video I've watched in years. Thank you ❤

Thank you for sharing such a multifaceted testimony. In fact, I was so exhausted after hearing all of your yearning, all of your bearing of your soul, and the years of you being unfocused. In fact, this feels like a book out of the Bible…… in contemporary jargon. Blessing on you, my friend, as you minister.

Thank you for being so humbled and brave. This wrapped up a series of questions that I had in my mind that I've been seeking answers for I asked intently last night about the real answer. And now I have got it.

what a beautiful, incredible story. thank you for sharing this w/ the world!!! :D

Im so proud of you Mike! 💜💜💜

I’ve been through many similar moments growing up and getting to know who I am and where I stand with God and as another gay man who loves Jesus I want to say THANK YOU for your yes and for going through your journey and allowing that to be such a blessing to all of us

As a trans woman christian I relate so much with your journey. Thank you

This was incredible and a blessing. Thank you for sharing your personal story, which is moving and inspirational. You are much appreciated.

thank you so so much for sharing your story I have had somethings with God over the years with the lord affirming me and the LGBTQ people i've been in tears almost this whole video I truly can feel the holy ghost pouring out as you were sharing

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much!

Literally every single Christian struggles and battles against sexual temptation and the guilt and shame that this can cause at some point in their life. Christians do not hate homosexuals or anyone for that matter, yet it's precisely becuase of God's love that we teach God's purposes for humanity in sexuality, which is one man and one woman in a lifelong covenant relationship that reflects the heart of the Gospel or a life of chaste singleness which is also an important calling from God. However, if someone is trying to teach something that directly violates God's word based on personal "revelation" no matter how emotionally convincing it sounds falls into the category of a false teacher. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions"

I blieve this video was a God send for me. Thank you so much! It comforted my spirit and I felt like you shared a authentic testimony. Thank you.

I'm so glad you shared this. What a journey in faith.

Love this!! bro you and your team have a lot of work to fix and believe God is going to do some wonderful things through you and the gay community 😀

Thank you for your story. I saw you interview Tim from the New Evangelicals, and then came to your site. I feel connected when I hear others relating their sacred encounters with the Divine. I have also been to that place and it was also down. It was also at a desperate time for me. My life changed dramatically at that moment, I knew that I had met Mystery. This was a God that I could truly trust. Almost every day, I am aware of changes seemingly in every cell of my existence. It was a gift enough to last forever.

Thank you for being so kind and brave to speak your experiences. Thank you for your vulnerability. ♥️

Hi Mike. I'm really proud of you and what you're doing, and I don't even consider myself a Christian anymore. Despite that, I really like it all. I watched the whole video and it really got me thinking about our time at church in high school, and what I was taught by my parents and by the church my whole damn life. I know I was bigoted growing up; I was taught all of that. And as a heterosexual guy, taught how "gross" and "sinful" being gay was, I'm sure I did a really bad job of loving that community of closeted gay people around me. I was not a person someone could be honest with, and that breaks my heart. I'm sorry for that. I own that. I've learned a lot since then; I've rejected a lot since then. I love you, and I'm excited for what you're going to do. If you're ever in Austin, reach out. And when I'm in Nashville again (I miss that city!), I'll do the same.

Wow so powerful ❤❤❤ So proud of your story & unique expression of God in flesh 🔥🔥 thanks for sharing

Thank you, for sharing your story, especially for sharing that you went through inner healing sessions and God did not change your orientation. I find it interesting that Jesus mentioned the Eunuchs belonging to one of three categories. Your story is very encouraging.

Praying for you, hope God heals all the brokeness you went through.

MIKE!! God Bless You! Thank you for your extreme vulnerability in sharing your story and your experience and your knowledge of God and his love for ALL People! It's obvious this has not been a flippant or easy walk and I praise you for Stepping Out and Standing Up for God's True Heart! Bless you and Love you my friend! #freedomandloveforall

Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for sharing

Wonderfully authentic as usual. ❤ You are extremely trustworthy, and I honor you and your experience. So much love to you, Mike. And so many blessings on your journey! 😘

As a fellow sharer in the sufferings of those afflicted with unwanted same-sex desires, I have learned the following: God has never asked anyone to wait for an absence of temptation in order to obey him. And also, any temptation which God has allowed to remain after union with him is to be endured, not embraced.

Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I’m so excited for what God has done and is doing in your life

Your ending made me wanna scream “GO OFF” - my heart, Mike. Wow! Thank you for this.

God spoke to me through this video. The words you said, He has been speaking to me for years and has showed me time and time again the truth. But somewhere along the way I always forget what He has told me. This video helped me tear down my defenses again and let myself hear Him. Thank you for sharing your story and I just want you to know it will forever be a bookmark in my story. And I will not forget again.

No saying his name as a curse is a sin also.

This is so powerful and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing and being so open! I am so encouraged!

Congratulations! So proud of you! Love you!

REALLY WELL DONE, my friend!!!!

Wow, Mike. This is absolutely incredible and vulnerable and beautiful. Thank you for being so open. Thank you for showing what Love truly is. You are a gift. We love you... God loves you. Thank you

Thanks for sharing your story. Maybe you can create another video explaining the context about those 6 passages in the bible. I just subscribed.

Crying along with you Mike ❤️ It's all about love. When we're able to transcend the written word and see through the eyes of Love and Spirit, you finally know the TRUTH. God will wreck our minds when we truly comprehend how much He loves us. I was a fierce Christian when i realized my transformation suddenly seemed to stop and i didn't know why. I realized it's because the doctrines i lived by didnt allow me to love people ALL THE WAY. I can only love them enough to want them to be saved. Saved from what? When i began seeing through the eyes of Love, sacred cows started coming down. Sin, hell, salvation...etc. deconstruction happens to make way for reconstruction. The new wine skin will scandalize the church. They think they're already in it. Religious spirit is the most sneaky coz you never really know you have it.

THANK YOU!!!!! May your passionate support and LOVE for the LGBTQ+ community not only save lives but also remove the scales of lies off the eyes and heart the evangelical church. I am no longer a christian but your testimony gives me hope for those who still are in the church...hiding or hating.

I could feel God all over this testimony… This was beautiful & brave. This queer, Jesus-loving woman stands with you in love & solidarity.

I just shared this with my followers, family, and friends!!! Thank you!!

Thank you for your authenticity!!

Love you Mike, proud of you, excited for your being reconciled to this aspect of yourself 💯 I'm rooting for you

I see myself in you, I remember crying at night in my bed wishing I was dead, and crying even more knowing even dying wouldn't set me free. I was trapped, and these days I still feel trapped but not the same way. Doubt keeps coming back, whispering that everything I fight for is a lie and I am an agent of the devil without realizing it. But then I find people like you and others, I see that all I try to give is love and understanding, that I try to fight for people like us that are condemmed for being born this way. But then I also realize how my life was much more simple when I never tried fighting for it, staying far from the bible even though I love Christ and want to follow his steps. It reminded me how our lives are easier when we actually do not try to be more like him. It is when we want to do good and follow God's principle that the enemy fights for us to give up again because otherwise he has lost. I will not go as far as quotin how sometimes he comes as an angel of light for that would be a huge accusation, but rather I would say like you said it's about research and not taking the words for only what they are. I don't remember the verse but I know there is a passage in the scripture than encourages us to be critical and not to follow blindly. On a more human level I cannot imagine how literally millions how people are supposed to experience the same miracle of God turning them straight just to glorify his power like so many tend to say. It just makes no sense. I think most believe we are trying to corrupt and twist everything starting with acceptiong gay christians. But it's not the case, we are just trying to open their eyes on the fact we are loved, we are meant to do something more, and we are not us anymore if we change. I am starting to realize how different my life would be if I hadn't accepted myself, the good I would not have experienced, the people I wouldn't know now. It feels like they believe we can't be or do good and be gay at the same time. And it's a really weird fixation to me too, that people living their lives want to ruin others so bad, when it gives them nothing, except a feeling of "superiority" or "purity". That feels wrong. I may not have experienced God like you did, but I know he speaks to us in ways mwe understand. But I also knw that my tears and the love I felt through you as I listen to your story and that of others isn't fake or "provoked" by something else. I want the world to feel that love, I want them to see the world through Jesus' eyes and heart. When I am alone in nature I see God in his creation and I feel welcome, I see his actions through people around me even if they do not realize it. Why do we humans try so hard to define him and put him in a specific box and deny everyone's feeling and testimony about him is beyond me. I know I am not perfect, I will never be. I will always try to be a better me and keep my eyes open just like my ears. The fact it's hard doesn't mean it's not right. On the contrary. I will never abandon God just like he never abandoned me. Even when I was stupid and did things I regret now. Why would he abandon me and wait for me to change ? I abandon him, just like you I listen to what I want to hear and live in fear, a fear that prevents me from connecting with him truly. I know what my cross is, even if I sometimes forget. It's not being gay, not at all. It's doubt. Doubting him, doubting what I feel, what I hear, or not hear for that matter. It always feel so daunting when I hear pastor begin a sentence saying "I need to talk about something wrong in our society" and feeling like a finger is pointed at me. I just want to run away, like I have something to hide, or that I am a criminal. I will never say I am a good Christian, nor that I have only done good. Buy my experiences with people and their testimony of me is not my doing. I do not make them say I am a good person, I am just grateful they did. I am not doing anything "wrong" (As in to others, like I said I made mistakes and regret things) but I feel like I am a criminal for trying to be who I am. It's funny in a way too, how I realized the more I suppress my "gayness" the less "me" I feel and the less good I become. Even with people I enjoy. I lie, dodge questions, and try to flee again. I do not want to anymore. I am not a mistake, my legacy is not to be "an example of the grace of God". I will do good, stay as true to the way Jesus lived as it is exactly what we are meant to do. I know one day I wil see him and thank him for never giving up on me. And if he permits hug him, as silly as it sounds. But I would hug my brother on earth, why not hug my big brother in heaven too. Are we not God's children too after all ? Sorry for the long comment, but the tears felt good. Also, nice moustache my friend, God bless you. (Sorry if I missed some mistakes)

Mike! You are a brave, brave man! And my love and respect has only grown. Even if my mind can't absorb and comprehend the depth of your journey; it is rare to find people as committed as you have been to courageously embrace the process of walking in the light. You will surely feel the sword of accusation more than ever... but know... there are many of us who embrace your humanity with loving, childlike simplicity... which is the same way we embrace our own. I accept you... and believe in your integrity. Because of this, I trust that you will continue to move toward Jesus even in this tremendous upheaval that most of us will never come close to experiencing. May your travels through this stage of your life be interrupted continually with the joy of your first love, Jesus Christ. Jeff Tarbill

Oh Mike. I am so thrilled for you. I am overjoyed and celebrate with you! Undoing indoctrination of man and reaffirming the true unconditional love of God!!! Hallelujah

Mike you are precious and brave. Good for you for following Jesus even though it’s hard. About three years ago, the Holy Spirit led me to “Love is an Orientation “ by AndrewMarin, after I had a crisis of faith over this issue. I would appreciate your prayers for me, I want to walk in His will.

Thank you for this video.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:33-36‬ ‭

THANK YOUUUU!!

Tysm for sharing your testimony. I myself, am a Bisexual Christian and I know deep down inside that if I fall in love with a woman that it is not wrong for me to be in a relationship with said woman. But the church makes me doubt this time and time again EVEN if I know this is what god wanted for me. But this video will definitely help me and others like me to feel less alone and guilty and bad and shamed for being gay. I can’t not put into words how much this video means to me. Ty so so so much.

Hey Mike! I was wondering, would you be willing to make a video going into the six verses you had mentioned and why you don’t feel like they apply to homosexual ppl? I feel like it would bring a lot of clarity.

I felt a sick pit in my stomach every time you spoke about God and what God was saying to you. How you described God speaking to you is how the enemy speaks. When you spoke about how you shouldn’t have asked for prayer it reminded me about how Satan would love nothing more than to keep us on an island, all alone. Of course he would make you think that you shouldn’t have asked for prayer, when we pray, things happen. You spoke of multiple spiritual experiences and that also was unsettling. When we rely too heavily on experiences rather than His written word, that leaves so much room for error. Does the spiritual experience match up to what the Bible says? My other questions are 1. What do the scriptures say about homosexuality? 2. What does the Bible say about prayer? 3.What does the Bible say about relying too heavily on “spiritual experiences”? 4.Should we rely on other people’s opinions over what the Bible says? 5. What does the word say about being a teacher? We all have sin and we are all guilty but I personally believe that God will never allow us to accept our sin. He is always walking with us as we learn from Him to choose a righteous life.

wow im speechless. Thank you.

Love love love you Mike! Thanks for your story!

I respect the testimony but must respectfully disagree with the conclusion that you can only love LGBT people by affirming them in their sin. The Word is so clear on this and to say that we trust the person of God and not the Bible just is not a tenable view to base your life on. The person of Jesus is the Word incarnate so you cannot separate the person of God from His word. Completely agree that the church has dropped the ball in terms of her ministry of condemnation and shame-heaping towards LGBT people over the past couple centuries, but inviting people to repent and trust in Christ and crucify the flesh and walk in the power of the Spirit is not equal to the shaming we've witnessed. To say there's nothing wrong with LGBT people would make them the only sinless people group in human history aside from our Lord and Savior, when Romans 3 clearly says that we ALL fall short of the glory of God. Affirming sexual immorality of any shape is not love, it's a millstone that leads people away from the faith.

This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story.

Ok.. We don't know each other personally, although we have many friends in common as I spent 3 years in the same school with you. Honestly, I was super offended when I read the title of your video but I listened to the whole thing WITHOUT judgement and had an open mind. I'm assuming you're open to honest feedback and questions about your testimony? If so, I have a few. First of all, no one can negate your experiences with the Holy Spirit, I've had my own. They are Holy and not everyone will understand. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing, I honor that. question : Do you believe that marriage between a man and a woman represents Christ and His Bride? If so where does marriage between two men fit into that dichotomy? You said that you value the words of the person of the Holy Spirit above the Bible, do you believe Jesus is the living word of God and if so, do you believe he contradicts Himself? When Jesus reveals Himself to you does He reveal the meaning of scripture to you while doing so? Where do people who feel sexually attracted to children fit into this? Why do you use the secular use of the rainbow to represent gay-pride personally in your coming out post? Do you believe the symbol of the rainbow was a promise God made under the Noahic covenant to never flood the earth again? I am not being mean, I really want to know more, this video left me super confused and feeling very protective over the church. I grew up in a very religious cult, Jesus saved me when I was 18. He pursued me as a Bridegroom and called me to beautify the bride and prepare her for His return. I have this thing in me that loves the whole church, messy as she is and a lot of the words you spoke were so harsh and gossipy honestly. It's feels like you're throwing the church under the bus to validate your pain, that doesn't feel fair. I sincerely hope you made this video to have discussions and heartfelt dialog. We'll see if there is fruit! Thats how we judge spiritual things right? By the fruit it produces. SINCERELY praying for your journey, you have a lot of responsibility right now. Praying for discernment of what you hear but more importantly discernment for the ppl who are listening to you.

Thank you, stay faithful and you already have been so faithful, we need you. We need someone who knows his true nature and can lead his people. We ALL need our Savior close in our lives or we will lose our eternal inheritance. Thank you so much! 😢

Wow! I‘m so impressed! Tears were coming to my eyes while listening to your testimony 😢😢 I can’t describe my feelings. God bless you Mike 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 would be so nice to know more about you. I can imagine the struggles you went through. Hope to have more news about you

Broken kid here, THANK YOU MIKE!You helped me want to be alive when I was in the dark. Reaching out to me in high school and taking me in made a huge impact in my life. I’m crying happy tears for you. Much love on your new journey ❤️ you deserve so so soooo much love!

💯 here for this and here for you.

This is important. ✨

Love Love Love!

Be carful about what you’re “preaching”. You don’t want to be responsible for leading God’s children astray. Their blood will be on your hands, sir. The Bible says it better for someone to have a milestone tied around their neck and tossed into the sea than to lead even one astray. Humble yourself, pray, and fast for God to clearly give you an answer🙏🏾💗

This is Canaan’s mom and I just want to hug you tight! So proud of you! Keep spreading the love!

I love you, Mike. You’ve always held a place in my heart. Thank you for your honesty. This was beautiful. I’m happy you’re you. ❤️

Thank you for sharing. My earliest memory is praying, "God, please make me normal." I didn't know that I was already normal. Watch on You Tube "Southern Baptist Sissies".

I’m here for this. Thank you 🙏🏼

The first time i literally felt Gods love was when i realized that anything we do pales in comparison to His love. Can we love like that? What would it be like if i could love you with a fraction of that love and if you were to act the same way. Nothing you do could ever seperate you from that love. Nothing ever. How bold is it to say God loves me as i am not as i could be. Boldy come to God as say I am xxxx and You love me fully as I am

This is so incredible Mike. I don’t really even have the words. I’m ridiculously proud of you. One of the biggest reasons I left the church was because of its stand on lgbtq+. I left feeling disappointed and heart broken at the disconnect between the Jesus I had always known and the Church I had experienced. I haven’t really been back since school ended. This video really gave me hope for the church that I haven’t had in a very, very long time. I cut most all ties that I had remaining in Redding, but every memory I had of our car ride conversations were a bright spot in my memory of my time there and I kept following you all of these years because of that. I never would have known what you were going through, and I’m so sorry for how much it must have hurt to live those experiences. Your heart has always been very clearly sincere and kind and genuine, and I’m just so overwhelmingly happy to see you fully embracing who you’re meant to be and walking in that. Thank you, and your team for doing this. I’m really overwhelmed with hope.

Thank you for your personal and profound testimony! The steps of a good man are truly ordered by the Lord. Excited to see more hearts and minds changed by His radical love. 💞

Thank you ❤

I'd take any communication if you have time, not for what I haveto say to you, other than a reminder of the word, but what you would have to share with me. Ty for your time

I've been following you for like four years....been waiting for you to come out. I know you don't know me but I am so freaking proud of you.

THIS IS THE BEST STORY I'VE HEARD ALL YEAR AND I'M SO HAPPY😭🌈🌈💜💜💜

Also, the amount of men I know who have done sexual things when they were boys with other boys is quite high and they hadn’t ever really told anyone either. Also, separately, the amount of men I know who have sexual trauma who also haven’t ever told anyone is quite high. I would love to start something someday with someone to create a space or narrative so that men can come forward and have a place for this to come out. Anyways, thanks for sharing this story. It is so so important.

Thank you for your beautiful testimony ❤️🥰🙏🏾 Much love and appreciation brother ❤️ God bless BTW Brenda from God is Grey brought me here ☺️ ....Scratch that the Lord brought me here through Brenda🤗

Thank you

This really feels holy… wow… You just opened your heart so wide with such a tender honesty.. wow.. Thank you for your courage to love and honor Him. I just can’t do anything else but be inspired about how you follow God and embrace your own journey and intimacy with Him. It’s not even a matter of being right or wrong, what a BEAUTIFUL and honest approach to life, I’m deeply touched. I will definitely make my own research as well and honor your advocacy on this topic.

Thank you Mike, so grateful for this for the LGBTQ+ Christian community. This video will save and help so many so thank you for sharing 🤗

I went to a church and was a youth leader for years. There was this boy who was very much so gay and everyone knew because he didn’t hide it. No one wanted to mentor him but I decided to because he was extremely suicidal. I didn’t agree with his actions, I still don’t agree with homosexuality but my job wasn’t to fix that boy but to love him. I simply wanted him to know he was loved so we talked or would just sit in silence. I didn’t bring up scripture or even try and convince him to pray. He ended up taking his life and my heart shattered. I found out years later that he was meeting with an elder for conversion therapy. I felt so angry because when did being a Christian become about shaming those who are different. I do not agree that God said you should be gay. But I can’t convince you one way or the other. Both the OT and the NT are very clear about homosexuality. But I do agree that you are a person Christ died for along with everyone else on the LGBTQ community. I hate how Christians feel the need to “fix” those who are gay. That’s not their place. I respect your journey even though I disagree but I do humbly agree that as people we can do so much better.

Good for you!!

The sad thing is you violated your own rules in your coaching courses to arrive at this conclusion.. while it's clear this is an extremely vulnerable posture for you and a painful one.. where do we draw the line? Should we tell the addict that his addiction is a genetic disposition and to make peace with it, should we tell the married man or woman to make peace with the reoccurring sexual desires to sleep with someone else even if they're pursuing a 'meaningful' relationship with someone other than their own spouse? After all, perhaps they won't feel so alone. What about those with gender dysphoria, or child attraction? Just go with it right? You fell for the age old lie from the garden of 'Did God Really Say?' I'm sorry that their is pain and suffering in this life and that there is struggle. We may be fairly disconnected from it in the West, but this is the story of the Church, of the Bride of the Messiah. There is hope, there is healing and there is also the struggle to fight the good fight in between. Our forefathers in the faith left us the legacy of patient endurance and tenacity... not microwave 'everything now' christianity.

Hey Mike! Thank you for being so open and honest . God is raising up many gay christian men in such a pure spirit and heart . I believe its our generation of christian gay mens’ purpose to be in the world right now. He has raised us up in his love ..so we can show it to the world like no other time.

Hi. I saw this video last night. I was crying last night because i feel this turmoil about being gay and wanting to follow Christ. I’ve met a man whom i deeply love yet this fear gets to me and then there’s videos on yt that deny homosexuality and their reasoning makes sense and then i find videos like this that makes me feel hopeful…

How to be part of your community?❤

Blessings to you! Thank you for sharing your story.

Unpopular opinion: I personally had to leave church. I was high one night and I realized that God was real. I still don't want to go back to church, but I do feel like I am more aware of God. Not like he aproves my behavior, while I'm high and stuff, but i have finally met them. I always studied, never knew

This gives me hope for the church. Thank you. I needed that.

God is SO real. His Love is SO SO REAL. 😭😭😭🌈🌈💜💜

Everyone's journey is unique. Similar to yours, it took a while for me to completely accept myself as gay. But being a philosopher in my thinking, I have always been true to myself, and I have found that many (not all) Christians fail to really understand what Jesus did for religion. I belong to an American Baptist church that accepts gay and lesbians. From my point of view, Christ taught that loving God and loving your neighbor are the two great commandments that fulfill and really replace all the Old Testament laws. Paul in the love chapter of First Corinthians says that of faith, hope and love, that love is the most important Christian value. So, all the discriminatory and exclusive kind of rules in the Bible should be subservient to love. If a Christian really believes in Christian love, he/she would understand and accept that. It is a great disservice to Christianity to see many Christians filled with hatred towards LGBTQ+ people. Where is their love? Thank you for the work you are doing.

So, I've never experienced anything like what you've described. I'm a trans woman who is a distant Christian at best. I've been told that being myself is wrong, by the majority of my family, but every chance I am able to express myself as a female, I'm at peace and happy.

Thank you for telling your Story! ❤

I am sincerely curious what you think about the people that have an exact opposite testimony from you? That they are convinced that God lead them out of the lifestyle and said to them that homosexuality is a sin? Because both things cannot be true at the same time, how do we deal with that?

So, during the last few years, when the LBTQ community grew, I tried to figure out what God thinks about it. I'm not gay, but that doesn't mean that God doesn't support these people. I personally start to think/believe that being gay is totally okay in God's eyes. I'm not 100% sure yet about that but I'm still on an adventure with God to discover his opinion about this area (Mike, heads up for being that vulnerable!). What I'm struggle though, is with the transgender people. I cannot wrap my head around the idea that God is perfect and has plans for us and made us perfect, and yet he failed to put us into the right body. If anything, questioning your own identity, your body, feels like the biggest victory that the enemy could do. In the first encounter between the devil and Jesus, the enemy tried to question him in his identity. Who he was etc. "IF you're son of God then why don't you xyz". I'm wondering now, If from a God's point of view, if he supports gay people. But not transgender. And with this, I don't mean that he condemns them or that we should do that. (not at all actually) But again, I just can't wrap my head around believing on one hand that God is perfect and made us perfect and he has plans for us and on the other hand there are people that can't even take their body as fundemental basis for their identity. What do other people/christians think about this? Let me know. I'm very interested! :)

I'm not religious. But you do what you feel is right for you. Don't worry about those who think you're wrong or you won't get to your heaven. Those people hold no sway with you or their own God to tell you whether you're right or wrong in your quest for truth in your life. They are upset because they can't do anything to stop you. Every single religious person has their own view of how the texts are written. Why do you think there is constant disagreements with those who are full believers? Nobody can tell you what your God wants