God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

This is a verse that holds a special place in my heart, so special in fact, that I got it tattooed on my arm!

For many Christians, it's very easy and quick to say "Being gay is a sin" or "Love the sinner, not the sin." Many of us don't think about the volumes that those words mean, or how quickly they can turn someone away from God, leaving a bad taste in their mouth about the people who are supposed to represent an "unconditional loving God."

As a Christian, I will be the first to say that the path to righteousness is NOT easy. Being faithful and regularly talking to God, holding yourself accountable for your actions andsteering clear of conforming to the sins of this forever changing world is emotionally exhausting. Not to mention the endless questioning of yourself, asking "Is this what God wants for me? Am I living my life correctly for Him? Am I making the right choices?" all while loving on others and selflessly going out of your way to help, while making sure you take care of yourself. The list goes on and on! I understand, it can be hard to stop and think.

God gave us the ability to have opinions, which is a beautiful and unique thing, if we use them for good, but something I feel like we as Christians can all agree on is that we need more LOVE in this world.

I know, it's easier said than done, but there are so many people in the LGBT community who feel like God has forsaken them, that God hates them, just because of who they love. Now, I don't know about you, but hearing God and hate in the same sentence just makes me feel uneasy.

For God has said, I will never you, I will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5

If you are reading this, LGBTQ or not, I know I may have never met you personally, but I love you and I support who you love and your happiness. But most importantly, I can say with confidence that God loves you. He knows you better than you know you. He knows every mistake you've made, every tear that was shed, every laugh that was bellowed. He knows all of you, and He knows every moment of your future. There are Christians who love you as well.

I also want to apologize on behalf of anyone who's narrow-mindedness, judgemental, deceptive and manipulative actions have denied you rights and equality "in the name of God." I'm sorry for the hurt and pain you have suffered. None of God's children deserve that.

You are not any less of a person in God's eyes or my eyes, no matter what your sexual orientation is. You are beautiful, you are enough and you are worthy of the true King, for you are his child. I can promise you that.

It still baffles me how so many "Christians" are quick to condemn homosexuals, but fail to remember the sins they commit everyday, whatever that may be, (envy, lying, gossiping, gluttony, adultery, working on a Sunday, even eating shellfish!) and that they are just as condemn-able!

Being gay is no bigger than any of these sins, and it makes me angry to know that many "Christians" turn a blind eye to these everyday mistakes we make. Hypocrisy is turning more and more people from God. We need to stress the fact that "Come as you are" is not just a phrase!

The church is NOT a house of saints, it is a hospital for sinners! God wants you to run to him no matter how broken or unworthy you think you are!

Whether you come to God or not, that is your choice. Just know that He will be waiting for you with open arms, ready to embrace you as His own, and so will I. I truly believe that God would not set you up for failure, and who you love is not a choice. I didn't choose to be straight, as you did not choose to be LGBTQ. God loves you anyway and will never forsake you.

If you do not choose to accept the Lord into your heart, I and many other Christians will not see you as any less of a human being. I will promise to love you as I would love any other human. Just know that your happiness is valid and it matters, and that there is a God who loves you and will be there for you always.

#Lovewins