April 15
Seeking Clarity
in a Changing World
“So God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them to be like himself. He created them as male and female.”
Genesis 1:27, NIrV
Joyce sat in her favorite armchair, knitting a soft baby blanket for her first great-grandchild. The soft rhythm of her needles usually brought her peace, but today her thoughts were restless.
At church last Sunday, the topic of gender had come up during coffee hour. Some of the younger members were discussing a broad range of terms Joyce had never heard before. “Non-binary,” “gender fluid,” “pronouns.” The conversation made her feel out of place and, if she was honest, a little frustrated.
She sighed and looked out the window at her garden, where a pair of sparrows hopped among the flowers. Joyce loved the simple truth of creation: God had made everything with care and intention. It was hard for her to reconcile this with the growing complexity she saw in society. What had once been straightforward now seemed murky and confusing.
That afternoon, Joyce sat with her Bible. She flipped to Genesis, her go-to when she needed to be reminded of God’s design. As she read Genesis 1:27, the words struck her deeply: “So God created human beings in his own likeness… He created them as male and female.”
Joyce paused, knitting forgotten in her lap. God’s Word was clear, and it gave her reassurance. But she also felt the Holy Spirit nudging her heart. Was it possible to uphold God’s truth while also showing love and understanding to those who thought differently?
Later that week, Joyce found herself in another conversation about gender with her granddaughter, Beth. “Grandma, people are struggling to find where they fit. They just want to be seen and loved.”
Joyce hesitated, praying silently for wisdom. “Beth, I believe God created us with a beautiful design, male and female, as His image-bearers. That’s what the Bible teaches. But I also know that God calls us to love everyone, just as He loves us.”
Beth smiled, and Joyce felt a weight lift. She didn’t have to compromise her faith to listen with compassion. That evening, Joyce knelt by her bed. “Lord, thank You for the clarity of Your Word. Help me to share it with grace and love.”
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating us in Your image, male and female, with intention and love.
Your design is perfect, and Your Word is clear.
Lord, when the world feels confusing, help us cling to Your truth.
But also, teach us to respond with kindness and compassion to those who are searching for their identity.
May we reflect Your love in our conversations and relationships, just as You love us unconditionally.
Give us wisdom to navigate these complexities with humility and grace.
Help us honor You in all we say and do, pointing others to Your beautiful plan for their lives.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
