I came across a sobering statistic from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It reported that 42 percent of transgender teens have attempted suicide. 42 percent! That’s three times the rate of the average American teenager.

I need that statistic to soak into your soul. Too often, Christians are insensitive and dismissive of the struggles that others have with their gender identity. Tragically, our thoughtless comments are being heard and read online by friends and family who are dealing with transgender struggles. Our lack of compassion might scare them into keeping their struggles a secret, which can lead many to a fatal choice.

This is why, even as we remember that God created us as male and female, we must not forget his call to love one another deeply. Paul wrote, “If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). In our modern age, when sexuality and gender are being radically redefined, let’s remember to love everyone with our words, actions, and social media posts. That matters to Jesus as much as a mountain-moving faith.

Why would we? Because Jesus first loved us. When we were dead in sin, blinded by sin, hostile because of sin, lost in sin, and pursuing sin, Jesus loved us (Romans 5:8). That unconditional, before-we-got-everything-right love is what compels us to love all people, even those struggling with gender identity.

Where does that leave us? We’ll wrap up tomorrow by answering that vital question for Jesus’ church.