This conversation is built on a few key biblical ideas about identity, the body, truth and how Christians should treat other people.
Bible quotations on this page are from the New International Version (NIV).
Made in God’s image
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God formed you
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
We remain embodied people
“The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.”
Test what you believe
“Test everything. Hold on to what is good.”
Recognised by their fruit
“By their fruit you will recognize them.”
The fruit of the Spirit
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Jesus welcomes people to come
“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Put together
The biblical picture is of people who are created by God, embodied, valuable, and invited to know Him. Our feelings matter, but they are part of a bigger picture of who we are. And Christians who speak about these things are called to do so with the character of Jesus.
If you want to keep digging
- Genesis 2:7 — Humanity as an integrated living person.
- Romans 12:2 — The renewing of our minds.
- John 13:34–35 — Jesus says His followers should be recognised by their love.