This is a hard, sensitive page to write, because the people who come here come carrying very different questions — some asking what scripture teaches, some asking whether they belong, some asking why this is so painful. Scripture Search is not the right place to argue out a doctrinal verdict. It is the right place to name what is true regardless: you are loved by God.
Psalm 139 is the place to start. "For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God's love for you is not contingent on figuring everything out today.
Christian traditions hold different views on questions of sexuality and faithfulness. That is a real disagreement, and one we believe is best worked through with a pastor who knows you, in a community that loves you, not on a search page. What we will not do is hand you a verse that tells you you are less than beloved. Romans 8:38-39 says nothing — not your past, not your sexuality, not your confusion, not your fear — can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
If you are in distress, please reach out. LGBTQ+ young people experience elevated risk of suicidal ideation, especially in religious contexts. The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678) is staffed 24/7 by people trained for exactly this conversation. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also there. You are not alone, and you do not have to be alone tonight.
Whatever you decide about belief, scripture's first word to you is not directive. It is "thou art mine" (Isaiah 43:1). See also identity, shame, and loneliness.
Verses
Psalms 139:1-16
O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:1-4
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Reflection
What is the question you have been afraid to ask God directly?
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