Faith, identity & loving yourself

Lesson 1

You are loved, exactly as you are

Whoever you are, whoever you’re attracted to, and however you feel about your body or your gender, God’s love for you is not in question. You don’t have to earn it, and nothing anyone says can take it away.

“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from God’s love, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38–39

You were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Lesson 2

Love your neighbor as yourself

When Jesus was asked which commandment matters most, he answered: love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). Loving others as yourself assumes you care for yourself, too.

• Care for your body. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Rest, eat well, move, and protect it from harm and from choices you can’t undo.
• Care for your mind. Talk about what you’re feeling. Asking for help is wise, not weak.
• Speak to yourself kindly, the way you would to a friend you love.

Lesson 3

Jesus welcomed people others pushed away

Jesus spent time with people others kept at a distance, and he was gentle with people who were hurting:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28–29

Mocking, bullying or shutting someone out because of who they are doesn’t reflect his example. If that’s happening to you, it’s not your fault, and you deserve to be safe. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Lesson 4

Questions take time

Questions about who you are, who you love and what you believe are part of growing up, and they deserve time. “For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

• Bring your questions to God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5).
• Seek wise counsel from more than one person. “Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). Talk with a pastor or youth leader you trust, a licensed counselor, and people who see things differently than you do.
• Know that Christians hold different convictions about sexuality and gender. Read Scripture for yourself, pray, listen carefully and take your time.
• Don’t rush what can’t be undone. See Your body is yours for life and Body modifications & mental health.

Time is your friend, and you never have to figure this out alone.

Lesson 5

If you’re hurting

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain.

Check yourself

Myth or fact?

Questions people ask

Asked and answered.