When I was 14 years old, I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom while my sister Sophia was brushing her teeth at the sink next to mine and my sister Abby was standing in the doorway. I can’t remember exactly what we were talking about, but one thing to another and Sophia let it slip that Abby identified as bisexual. 

While Abby hadn’t officially come out to me, I had already known. I mean, we shared a room and her bed was about 7 feet away from mine, so I knew.

I know that she was worried about how I would react because when you grow up in a very small town, it’s hard to know how people will react. After all, they aren’t accustomed to it because it’s something they never really knew about.

Abby was nervous, but she didn’t need to be. She’s my sister, of course I don’t care who she chooses to love, just as long as they are good to her— because I love her.

I believe that people are not “homophobic,” because this would by definition, mean that these people are afraid of LGBTQ+ people. There is just hatred from these people. Hatred toward people who are kind, loving and brave.

The people who spread this hate will quote the Bible and say that being gay is a sin, but God loves all his children. When people use the Bible as a weapon to justify cruelty, ridicule or hatred, they move away from the teachings that Jesus emphasized throughout his life. Jesus repeatedly taught love, mercy and compassion. He spent time with people who were rejected by society, not because he hated them, but because he loved them.

One of the most famous teachings in Christianity comes from Matthew 22:39, where Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment does not come with exceptions. It does not say to love only the people who are exactly like you or who live according to your beliefs. It says to love your neighbor.

Another important teaching is found in Matthew 7:1, where Jesus says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

Too often, people focus on judging others while ignoring their own flaws. None of us are perfect. Every person has made mistakes and fallen short in some way. That is why humility is such an important part of the Christian faith.

This does not mean that all Christians agree on every issue regarding sexuality. Different churches and denominations have different interpretations of scripture. However, regardless of those beliefs, there is a significant difference between disagreeing with someone and treating them with hatred. Christianity calls believers to treat others with dignity and respect, even when there are differences in belief.

When I think about the LGBTQ+ community, I do not think about political debates or arguments on social media; I think about real people. I think about my sister. I think about her laughter, her kindness and the memories we have shared growing up. I think about the fear she felt before telling people who she was. Most importantly, I think about how nobody should have to live in fear simply because of who they love.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals face rejection from friends, family members and communities. Some are bullied. Some are harassed. Some are forced to hide who they are because they fear what will happen if others find out. Whether someone is religious or not, it should be easy to agree that nobody deserves to be mistreated, threatened or harmed because of their identity.

The Bible also teaches that hatred itself is a serious issue. In 1 John 4:20, it says, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” That verse is powerful because it reminds Christians that their treatment of others matters. Faith is not just about what people say they believe; it is also about how they treat those around them.

Jesus consistently demonstrated compassion toward people who were marginalized. He healed the sick, defended the vulnerable and spent time with people whom others looked down upon. His example was not one of exclusion, but of love. If Christians strive to follow Christ, then his example should guide their actions.

I am not writing this because my sister needs me to defend her. She is strong, independent and capable of speaking for herself. I am writing this because I love her, and because I believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

At the end of the day, people may continue to disagree about theology, doctrine and interpretation. Those conversations will likely continue for generations. But there is something that should never be debated: the value of a human life. Every person deserves safety. Every person deserves dignity. Every person deserves compassion.

My sister is not a political issue. She is not a talking point in an argument. She is a human being. She is someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone’s friend and someone’s partner. Most importantly, she is loved.

It is important to remember that every person has struggles, challenges and experiences that others may never fully understand. Many LGBTQ+ people spend years questioning who they are and worrying about whether they will be accepted by their families, friends and communities. Coming out often requires a great deal of courage because it means risking rejection from the people they care about most.

Instead of responding with judgment, Christians have an opportunity to respond with compassion. In Galatians 6:2, the Bible encourages believers to “bear one another’s burdens.” Supporting people through difficult moments, listening to their experiences and showing them kindness reflects the love that Jesus demonstrated throughout his ministry. Even when people hold different beliefs, they can still choose empathy over hostility and understanding over condemnation. 

A person’s worth should never be determined by whether others approve of them. Every individual is deserving of respect, and every individual deserves to know that they are valued and loved. 

If there is one lesson that Christianity teaches above all else, it is that love should be at the center of how we treat others. The world already has enough hatred in it. What it needs more of is understanding, empathy and compassion. Regardless of where people stand on theological questions, we can all choose to treat one another with kindness. That choice reflects the very best of humanity and, many would argue, the very heart of Christ’s message.