Unshakable Strength:
A Reflection on Christianity for the LGBTQ+ Community
Throughout February, we are exploring the power of spiritual strength, an innate ability within each of us. Now more than ever, it is important to recognize and claim our spiritual strength. In the Bible, strength is promised to each of us as children of God.
Spiritual strength is our ability to face and overcome any challenges that might come our way. Many within the Folx with Faith community have shared their experiences of facing challenges related to the current political climate. However, we can find comfort in knowing that we each have access to a spiritual strength that can bolster us through our own unique challenges and offer support to others in need.
Strength in Scripture
Spiritual strength is a deeply human concept, found both in the Christian Scriptures and Hebrew Scriptures. We find strength within ourselves and by creating and maintaining relationships with those around us.
The Bible encourages us to:
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” – Ephesians 6:10
Our connection to God is the source of our strength. This inner connection—our most sacred spirit—empowers us to be strong through adversity. We cultivate this strength through prayer, contemplation, and spiritual practice, building the inner resilience that allows us to meet any challenge with courage.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Christ is within each of us, and it is this Christ nature that strengthens us. We often think of God as an external force, but our true spiritual strength comes from the divinity within. The “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” This inner strength allows us to transcend and overcome any adversity we face. We can trust that this God-power within us is limitless. As Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.”
Spiritual strength is not merely about physical endurance but a deep, inner resilience rooted in our connection to the divine. Strength is our ability to use our voices and gifts to uplift those around us. It gives us the ability to advocate for ourselves and those who have not yet found their own voices.
At the National Cathedral prayer service for the presidential inauguration, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde offered a profound example of spiritual strength when she said:
“I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. There are gay, lesbian, transgender children, Democratic, Republican, independent families—some who fear for their lives.”
Her words exemplified the courage to speak truth in love and the steadfast faith needed to confront fear and division with mercy and compassion.
The Strength of the LGBTQ+ Community
Resilience is woven into the fabric of the LGBTQ+ community. Time and again, we have risen in the face of adversity—standing firm in our truth, advocating for justice, and creating safe spaces of love and support.
According to research highlighted in Expansive Therapy’s blog on LGBTQ+ strengths, adaptability, creativity, and chosen family networks are key characteristics of the community. These traits are not merely coping mechanisms but profound examples of spiritual resilience and communal power.
Examples of LGBTQ+ Strength
- The AIDS Crisis – During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, LGBTQ+ activists and allies created networks of support, advocacy, and education, even as society largely ignored the crisis. Organizations like ACT UP and the establishment of the AIDS Memorial Quilt turned tragedy into a movement for awareness and care.
- Marriage Equality Movement – Decades of advocacy led to the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage in the United States. This victory was not just a legal triumph but a testament to the enduring strength of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who fought tirelessly for recognition and equality.
- Modern Advocacy and Support Networks – From The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth, to local Pride centers and mutual aid groups, the community continues to organize and create spaces where strength and support can flourish.
Strength Through Radical Inclusion
The strength of the LGBTQ+ community is not just in overcoming adversity but in its radical inclusion. The community reflects the beauty of God’s infinite creativity, where identities beyond binary norms—such as those of nonbinary and gender-expansive individuals—are affirmed and celebrated.
This inclusivity mirrors the example of Jesus, who consistently embraced those whom society rejected. Jesus’ ministry was one of radical love and inclusion, breaking barriers and welcoming those who were outcast. As followers of Christ, we can look to these examples to strengthen our own resolve and build communities where all people are seen, loved, and uplifted.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Jesus and the Marginalized
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly challenged the religious and social norms of his time, affirming the dignity and worth of those marginalized by society.
- Jesus Welcomed Eunuchs and Gender-Expansive Individuals
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus openly acknowledges that some people do not fit into traditional gender roles, saying:“For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
This passage has been widely interpreted as an affirmation of people who live outside of binary gender norms. At a time when eunuchs were often ostracized, Jesus recognized their existence and affirmed their place in the kingdom of God.
- The Ethiopian Eunuch: A Story of Radical Welcome
In Acts 8:26-40, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a person who would have been excluded from Jewish religious life. Yet, instead of turning him away, Philip welcomes him into the faith and baptizes him. This moment is a profound act of divine inclusion, reinforcing that God’s love knows no boundaries. - Jesus Reached Out to the Outcast
- He dined with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17), defying the religious elite.
- He healed the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), despite cultural taboos.
- He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), breaking gender and ethnic barriers.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
These examples show that true spiritual strength is found in the courage to love, include, and affirm those whom society marginalizes. Just as Jesus welcomed eunuchs, foreigners, and outcasts, we are called to build communities that reflect this radical inclusivity—where all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are fully embraced as beloved expressions of God’s divine love.
Join Us for Our February Meeting on Strength
Spiritual strength is a force that transcends religious labels—it is a universal truth, available to all. This month, Rev. Tim Lytle will lead our community in a discussion on Faith and Strength, helping us deepen our understanding of these principles.
About Rev. Tim Lytle:
Rev. Tim is an ordained Unity minister and serves on the Board of Trustees for Unity Worldwide Ministries. He has over 28 years of experience as a hospital chaplain, specializing in psychiatric care, trauma services, and intensive care units. His work extends internationally, and he has studied meditation, Sufism, Kabbalah, Taoism, Buddhism, and contemplative Christian practices. His mission is the spiritual transformation and awakening of individuals through experiencing their Oneness with the Divine.
We invite you to join us for this powerful conversation on faith, resilience, and the strength that is already within you. Let’s come together, honor our strength, and uplift one another as we continue our spiritual journey.
How You Can Support Our Mission?
You can help us fulfill our mission by donating to Folx with Faith or starting a local group. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world. If you would like to contribute to this mission or would like to start a local chapter, please let us know. You can contact us or use the links below.
Join us for upcoming virtual events. We host live events the forth Thursday of each month.
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Find or start a local group.
References & Additional Resources for Unshakable Strength
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
James Masters (he/him) is based out of Unity of Springfield, where he supports the community through community service and technology. He is a contributing author for the bestselling anthologies, The Courageous Heart, Enduring Wisdom, & The Grateful Soul.
He is a personal coach focusing on spiritual and relational development. He is also deeply passionate about providing shelter, food, and clothing to the vulnerable population within our local community.
His knowledge of technology and compassion for others is a significant contribution to our community.
