Understanding the Gender Identity Crisis
I want to focus on one topic that saddens me deeply: the gender identity crisis facing our culture today. It’s complex, painful, and often feels unworldly—but how our society responds can either compound the hurt or bring real healing.
As believers in Jesus, we are called not to shy away from difficult issues. We are called to be ambassadors of hope and restoration. That means understanding the root causes behind the struggles we see, rather than just reacting to symptoms.
Why Gender Identity Matters
All humans wrestle with identity—spiritually, socially, and personally. So why would gender or sexual identity be any different? Experiences, pain, and trauma shape behavior and influence the way people relate to themselves and others. In my podcast Gender Identity Crisis (released March 3, 2021), I explore this deeply, noting that gender identity issues are not genetic (no evidence has ever been found) or a simple choice—they are often acquired through life experiences, trauma, and relational pain.
Healing begins when we recognize that these behaviors and feelings are symptoms of deeper issues, not the entirety of a person’s identity.
Identity Crises: A Broader View
Identity crises manifest in many forms:
Spiritual Identity Crisis: When we lose sight of our inherent value as sons and daughters of God, we seek fulfillment from others, creating behavioral patterns rooted in unmet needs.
Social Identity Crisis: Social pressures, online interaction, and relational trauma can cause people to withdraw, overreact, or build defensive mechanisms.
Self-Identity Crisis: Depression, anxiety, and self-image struggles often emerge when we misinterpret our worth or internalize trauma.
These crises are not isolated. They intersect and influence behaviors, including struggles with gender and sexual identity.
The Role of Pain and Trauma
The statistics are staggering:
One in five girls and one in twenty boys are victims of child sexual abuse.
Children between 7 and 13 are most vulnerable.
Victims of prolonged abuse often develop low self-esteem, distorted views of sex, and social withdrawal.
These numbers are likely underreported. Trauma, relational pain, and repeated exposure to abuse profoundly shape behavior and identity. This provides crucial context for understanding why some individuals experience gender and sexual identity struggles.
Missteps by the Church, Medicine, and Society
Historically, the church has often focused on behavior rather than the heart, sometimes ostracizing individuals in pain. Likewise, medicine and psychiatry have shifted definitions and treatments under social pressure rather than scientific evidence, leaving those struggling with identity without proper guidance or support.
Even well-intentioned secular and liberal groups have sometimes normalized behaviors without addressing underlying trauma, unintentionally perpetuating confusion and pain.
A Path Forward: Healing the Heart
The solution isn’t simply correcting behavior—it’s addressing the root cause: identity formed in pain. Our goal, as followers of Jesus, is to approach these individuals with compassion and truth, just as Christ did. He reached into brokenness, offering restoration and love, not judgment.
We must provide language, understanding, and healing for those navigating gender identity struggles. We must teach our children, engage our communities, and respond with both truth and grace.
Moving Toward Change
This blog is an introduction to a conversation that requires patience, care, and a kingdom perspective. I will continue to explore practical ways for families, churches, and communities to respond. Together, we can bring real healing, real transformation, and real love to those in pain.
The world won’t bury this issue—it’s here to stay. But as Christ-followers, we have an unprecedented opportunity to show love and healing where it is most needed. Let’s step forward. Let’s focus on the heart, not just the behavior. Let’s set and shape the culture in ways that reflect God’s truth and love.
